Pair Of Bronze Busts—jean Républicain And Jean Royauté—19th Century

Based on a work by Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741–1828)
Jean Républicain Laughing and Jean Royauté Crying

An amusing pair of small bronze busts with a nuanced brown patina, depicting two children with contrasting expressions.

The first, wearing a Phrygian cap, embodies the triumphant Republic and sports a mischievous smile. The second, wearing a royal crown, represents the fallen monarchy, his face in tears.

This satirical composition is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and the fall of the monarchy in 1792. The contrast between the two children humorously illustrates the Republic’s triumph over the Monarchy.

Attributed to Jean-Antoine Houdon, a famous 18th-century sculptor and portraitist, this iconography demonstrates the use of sculpture as a means of political expression during the revolutionary era.

Bronze casts with a nuanced brown patina, 19th century.

Dimensions:

• Jean the Republican: H. 8.5 × W. 5 × D. 4.5 cm

• Jean the Monarchist: H. 11 × W. 5.5 × D. 5 cm