Lapagerie Bonaparte — Plaster Medallion After David d'Angers, France, 20th Century

Lapagerie Bonaparte — Plaster medallion-shaped molding after David d'Angers France, 20th century Provenance: Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Angers

Elegant circular medallion-shaped molding in white plaster, representing in left profile Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais (1763–1814), first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. This exquisitely detailed portrait faithfully reproduces the original sculpted model by Pierre-Jean David, known as David d'Angers (Angers, 1788 – Paris, 1856), whose works are held in the Louvre Museum and the Angers Museum of Fine Arts. The molding is an identical reproduction, made in the 20th century under museum supervision, with an engraved inscription on the reverse: Musée des Beaux-Arts Angers, attesting to its authenticity and institutional provenance. The Empress is depicted wearing a diadem, pearl earrings and necklace, and a richly ornamented draped gown. On the left, the inscription Lapagerie Bonaparte recalls her birth name, while on the right is the signature David, a tribute to the sculptor.
Title: Lapagerie Bonaparte Common title: Joséphine de Beauharnais
Type: Medallion
Material: Plaster
Dimensions: Ø 19 cm; thickness 2 cm
Condition: Very good overall condition; two minimal, almost invisible chips on the sides. A rare piece, with neoclassical charm, testifying to the dissemination of David d'Angers' works and imperial iconography within French public collections.