French Antique Terracotta Bust of Compte d’Artois by Fernand Cianciani

FERNAND CIANCIANI called FERNAND CIAN
Italy/France, 1889-1954

"Comte d'Artois (later Charles X, King of France)"

Executed in the first quarter of the 20th century
Signed "Fernand Cian" to shoulder
Patinated terracotta over marble socle

13" H x 3 7/8" base diameter x 7 1/2" W

This terracotta model represents the young Comte d’Artois, later Charles X, in a format derived from the French eighteenth century portrait bust tradition. The softly rounded features and upward turn of the head give the subject a courtly refinement, while the handling of the drapery and floral ornament introduces the more animated surface associated with early 20th century sculpture. An example of this model is held by the National Gallery of Art, Washington (acc. no. 2005.136.1).

Fernando Cian, born Fernando Cianciani in Carrara, worked in France and built his reputation through finely finished terracottas and bronzes in the early 20th century. He studied in Paris under Laporte Blairsy and Alexandre Falguière, exhibited repeatedly at the Salon des Artistes Français between 1907 and 1928, and received an honorable mention in 1921. His work moves between Art Nouveau inflection and an evident sympathy for 18th century French models. Works by Cian are in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art where his terracotta Cupidwas acquired with Museum funds in 1944 and remains in the permanent collection, and in the Musée d'Orsay.

Condition: Rubbing and wear to the patina, minor abrasions. A fine presentation, ready to place.

ref. 603HHP31P