Rock Crystal Emperor Bust - 19th Century

Roman emperor's rock crystal bust

Sculpted rock crystal bust depicting a Roman emperor in cuirass, draped in antique style. The face, with synthetic features, is framed by short, wavy hair and an incipient beard, drawing inspiration from IIᵉ century imperial models, notably portraits of Hadrian and the Antonines.

The crystal, cut from a translucent mass, features visible natural inclusions, participating in the appearance of the material and the diffusion of light in the volume. The work favors a general reading of forms, with deliberately simplified modeling.

This type of bust is part of the tradition of cabinet objects inspired by Antiquity, disseminated in Europe from the end of the XVIIᵉ century and throughout the XVIIIᵉ century, in the context of the taste for the Grand Tour and rare materials.

Bibliogpraphy:
- In the last photos, a comparable from the Guy Ladrière collection, referenced by Philippe Malgouyres in his book Pierres Gravées
- numerous antique examples referenced by Dario Del Bufalo in his book Precious Portraits



European work, probably 18th-19th century

Size: 9.8cm x 7cm