Exceptional French Bronze Bust of Christ by Auguste Clésinger Poussielgue Rusand
- An exceptional and highly important late 19th-century French patinated bronze bust of Jesus Christ wearing the Crown of Thorns, by the celebrated French sculptor Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clésinger (1814–1883), signed J. Clésinger, Rome, and inscribed Poussielgue-Rusand, Paris.
- This magnificent and deeply expressive sculpture depicts Christ with his head bowed in solemn contemplation, crowned with intricately modeled thorns. The extraordinary naturalism of the facial features, flowing locks of hair, finely sculpted beard, and delicate rendering of the Crown of Thorns demonstrate Clésinger's remarkable mastery of the human form and his ability to convey profound spiritual emotion through sculpture.
- The bronze displays a beautifully preserved warm brown patina and is raised on an elegant turned bronze socle above a substantial rouge marble pedestal, retaining its original gilt-metal presentation plaque.
- The plaque is inscribed:
- **1873–1898
- À Mr. J. Prolhac, Supérieur
- Les Professeurs du Petit Séminaire**
- This historic inscription records the presentation of the sculpture to Monsieur J. Prolhac, Superior of the Petit Séminaire, by its professors, commemorating the period from 1873 to 1898.
- Of particular significance is the inscription **Poussielgue-Rusand, Paris**, referring to the distinguished Parisian ecclesiastical goldsmithing establishment renowned throughout the 19th century for its exceptional religious works of art, sacred vessels, and liturgical furnishings.
- Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clésinger was among the distinguished French sculptors of the 19th century, celebrated for his technical virtuosity, dramatic realism, and masterful treatment of the human figure. His sculptures were exhibited at the Paris Salon and are represented in important museum collections.
- The present bronze is an outstanding example of French religious sculpture, combining exceptional artistic craftsmanship, historical significance, and a remarkable sense of spiritual presence.
- 10" high x 4" wide x 4" wide
- Very good condition. Very crisp casting. Exceptional piece.
Period
19th Century
Origin
Europe
Depth
4 in (10.16 cm)
Width
4 in (10.16 cm)
Height
10 in (25.4 cm)
Creator
Poussielgue-Rusand (Maker),Jean-Baptiste Auguste Clesinger (Maker)
Date of Manufacture
C. 1875
Materials & Techniques
Bronze,Rouge Griotte Marble
Signature / Marks
Inscribed Poussielgue-Rusand, Paris.
Condition
Good Wear consistent with age and use.
Price Range
◆
Price Range
◆ Under $5,000
◆ $5,000–$10,000
◆ $10,000–$25,000
◆ $25,000–$50,000
◆ $50,000–$100,000
◆ Over $100,000
