After Joseph Chinard (French, 1756-1813): A white carrara marble bust of Madame Récamier, circa 1910

Lot 438. The sitter shyly looking down and holding drapery about her breast, 64cm high - Estimate: £1,500 - 2,500

Note : The original bust by Joseph Chinard, made in 1802-1805, is now in the permanent collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lyon.

Madame Récamier (French 1777-1849) was considered by many as the most beautiful and charming woman of her time. She was famous for her manners, conversation, intelligence, her kind disposition and of course her great beauty; and an invitation to her salon was considered a great honour. The most distinguished and well educated men of the day frequented her house, and from the early days of the French Consulate to almost the end of the July Monarchy her salon in Paris was one of the chief resorts of literary and political society. These visitors included such distinguished people as Lucien Bonaparte, Moreau, Bernadotte, La Harpe, Benjamin Constant, and David; and both David and Gerard painted portraits of her.

Bonhams. Early European Works of Art and Sculpture, including The Avery Collection, Knightsbridge Furniture, Carpets and Rugs, 11 Dec 200è. Knightsbridge