Portrait Bust of a Man (subject likely an unidentified male)
Sculpture, figurative bust • Alexandre Falguiere (French, 1831–1900), marked 'A. FALGUIERE'
Style & Movement
Academic Realism / Third Republic French Sculpture
Medium & Technique
Cast bronze using the lost-wax (cire perdue) process, with a hand-applied dark brown and greenish patina
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890-1920)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12-24 inches in height; vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A bronze portrait bust depicting a male figure, characterized by naturalistic anatomical rendering and textured surfaces following the influence of Rodin and the French School. The focus is on psychological depth and social status through realistic facial features.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible oxidation and uneven patina consistent with age and environmental exposure
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $7,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a French foundry such as Thiébaut Frères; private collection history typical of bourgeois 19th-century bronze acquisitions
Art Historical Significance
Falguiere was a leading figure in the French Beaux-Arts tradition, succeeding Jean-Léon Gérôme at the École des Beaux-Arts; this work represents the height of French professional casting and civic portraiture
Notable Features
Distinctive incised signature 'A. FALGUIERE' on the lower edge; high-quality foundry finish and visible manual cold-work on the bronze surface
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions, verdigris (green oxidation) in recessed areas, and dust accumulation in the casting crevices
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning with non-ionic detergents, followed by a light application of microcrystalline wax (Renaissance Wax) to stabilize the patina