Bust Of A Child, Signed “roland F.”, After Philippe-laurent Roland (1746–1816).

Patinated terracotta, circa 1880. Charming bust of a child in patinated terracotta, signed on the reverse "Roland" and dated "1779". The child, dressed in a buttoned doublet and a finely carved lace ruff, is depicted with a soft modeling and a lively expression, in the tradition of the neoclassical child portrait of the late 18th century. The care taken with the relief of the face and the hair testifies to a quality execution, faithful to the spirit of Philippe-Laurent Roland, pupil of Augustin Pajou and sculptor of Louis XVI. The sculpture rests on a base, also in terracotta, which takes the form of a molded pedestal. This work was produced around 1880. This type of production, of great finesse, is part of the historicist movement of the late 19th century - a period when certain sculptors like Ferdinand Cian (1842–1921) sought to recreate or copy the models of 18th-century masters, such as Roland, Houdon or Pajou, testifying to the permanence of their influence in decorative sculpture. Dimensions Height: 44 cm Condition: Very good general condition, slight wear and tiny chips of age, uniform and warm original patina. Provenance: French or Belgian work after Philippe-Laurent Roland, around 1880. Biographical note: Philippe-Laurent Roland (1746–1816), originally from Pont-à-Marcq, was a pupil of Augustin Pajou. He participated in the decoration of the Louvre and the Palais-Bourbon, and distinguished himself with his portraits imbued with grace and naturalness. His work, halfway between academic elegance and sensitive realism, perfectly illustrates the refinement of French neoclassicism. His tender busts of children inspired several generations of sculptors until the end of the 19th century.