After Jean Antoine Houdon (French, 1741-1828), Bronze Figure of "Ruth"

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Description

This finely cast bronze sculpture titled *Ruth* is attributed to the celebrated French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741–1828), a master of … Read more This finely cast bronze sculpture titled *Ruth* is attributed to the celebrated French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741–1828), a master of the neoclassical tradition. The verso bears the stamp “A. Collas Réduction Mécanique,” indicating that this piece was created through Achille Collas' innovative mechanical reduction process. Collas’ method revolutionized the production of sculptures by enabling accurate, scaled reproductions of larger works while preserving the intricate details and proportions of the original. This mechanical reduction situates *Ruth* as part of a tradition that sought to make significant works of art accessible to collectors, galleries, and institutions during the 19th century.

The sculpture depicts Ruth, a figure of virtue and devotion from the biblical Book of Ruth, known for her loyalty and labor in the fields. Houdon’s rendering captures Ruth with an understated elegance, her modest attire flowing naturally across her form, conveying both simplicity and grace. The carefully articulated details—such as the gentle expression of Ruth’s face, the sheaves of grain she carries, and the finely rendered textures of her drapery—exemplify Houdon’s dedication to realism and his ability to evoke emotion through form. The compact scale of this bronze highlights the precision of the mechanical reduction process, which ensured the fidelity of Houdon’s original vision.

Measures: 18.125" h x 6.5" w (6" w base)

Artist Biography: Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741–1828)

Jean-Antoine Houdon, a leading figure of 18th-century sculpture, was renowned for his unparalleled ability to capture the likeness and character of his subjects. Born in Versailles, France, Houdon trained at the prestigious École royale des élèves protégés in Paris before studying at the French Academy in Rome. His time in Rome allowed him to study classical antiquities, which deeply influenced his neoclassical style.

Houdon gained widespread recognition for his portrait busts of prominent figures of the Enlightenment, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, and Benjamin Franklin. His work stood out for its striking naturalism, blending precise anatomical accuracy with psychological depth, which made his portraits seem imbued with life. Beyond portraiture, Houdon also created significant allegorical and religious works, such as *St. Bruno* for the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Rome.

In 1785, Houdon traveled to the United States to create a commissioned statue of George Washington, working from life to craft a likeness of the first American president. His Washington statue, installed in the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, remains a celebrated symbol of his artistic legacy.

Houdon’s career bridged the transition from the grandeur of the late Baroque to the restrained elegance of neoclassicism. His works are distinguished by their technical mastery, subtle expressiveness, and timeless beauty, earning him a lasting reputation as one of the most important sculptors of his era. See less