Bust of Voltaire

Bust of Voltaire

This plaster bust of the French philosopher Voltaire. This is work is a copy of a work that is part of the Neoclassical movement of the 1760s. This bust is a copy of the head of Voltaire Seated (c.a. 1779-1795) created by French artists Jean Antoine Houdon (1741-1828). Voltaire’s likeness was sculptured at the 83. Houdon represented Voltaire’s age through a receding hairline, sunken skin across the face and neck, and many wrinkles. The portrayal of Voltaire’s hair appears in many different styles during this age. This portrait seems to be a combination of the bald Voltaire, to capture an antique style often found in neoclassical sculpture, and the wigged Voltaire to represent the contemporary dress of the time. There have been many copies made of this sculpture continuing into the 20th century due to the work’s popularity. The Packwood’s Bust of Voltaire share characteristics of a copy from the 19th century housed in the Victorian and Albert in London, England. The Fetherston Bust of Voltaire is similar, but Voltaire’s likeness has been simplified. The V&A copy shows more attention given to the incised lines that define the texture of the hair. The copy in the Packwood House creates the texture of hair by casted shadows upon deeper grooves. Both works aim to represent Voltaire’s humor and wisdom through his features. The sunken eyes with a furrowed borrow expresses the thoughtfulness of this philosopher, while the dimples and smile lines surrounding his upturned lips show the humor of the Frenchman. The color of the plaster has been altered by a wash. There is an inscription, possible from the workshop that produced this copy, “E.M. & A.C. Fried?/? Phila”.
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1972.61/
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O94229/voltaire-bust-houdon/

Packwood House Museum, 15 N Water St., Lewisburg, PA 17837, 570-524-0362

20th Century

Please cite Packwood House Museum, Lewisburg, PA when using items in the collection.

Plaster, 12 h X 8 l X 7 w (inches)

Still Image

1972.535

Study