Jean-Antoine Houdon
(Versailles 1741-1828 Paris)

Buste of Voltaire 'tête nue'

Bronze, rich dark-brown patina on Portor marble base
Signed and dated 'Houdon 1778'
Lifetime cast, ca. 1780-1790
Height 33,5cm (43,8cm including base)

The present bust of Voltaire (1674-1778) with naked chest portrays the philosopher and poet in the guise of an ancient Roman Republican. While representing Voltaire as if he were a classical figure, Houdon succeeds in capturing the features of a wise and truly modern thinker naturalistically. Over his lifetime Voltaire was depicted many times by many artists, although none of their portraits was received as well by Voltaire himself, and none of them became as iconic as Houdon's serene and graceful depiction.

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