Dore Mounted King Louis XVI Terracotta Portrait Plaque, Jean-Baptiste Nini, 1780

Description

Dore Bronze Mounted King Louis XVI Terracotta Portrait Plaque by Jean-Baptiste Nini, 1780 This remarkable and historically significant antique terracotta portrait plaque bears the signature of the artist, Jean-Baptiste Nini, renowned for his expertise in creating terracotta portrait plaques during the 1700s in Paris. The plaque features a hand-crafted relief portrait of King Louis XVI in side profile, capturing the monarch's distinctive aquiline nose, curls, a ribbon securing his low ponytail and a wrapped collar, fashionable with French monarchy of the time. Jean-Baptiste Nini's unique technique of casting terracotta entailed the use of refined local clay, processed using elutriation prior to being molded by finely detailed engraved copper molds to create his sought-after terracotta portraits. The plaque is tastefully encased within an exquisite round French dore bronze frame, intricately carved with stylized feather motifs in relief. A movable hanging ring in dore bronze, also beautifully hand-carved in relief resembling a wreath, adorns the piece. The dore bronze rectangular clasps at the back neatly and securely hold the plaque in place. The artist's signature and the date "1780" are inscribed below the bust. Jean-Baptiste Nini's medallions, especially those depicting eminent figures like King Louis XVI, are rare finds. Notably, the Metropolitan Museum of Art houses a collection of Nini's medallions, yet this particular piece remains exclusive to private collectors, making it a cherished gem for art enthusiasts. This well-preserved and scarce artwork is sure to captivate the heart of any discerning art collector. Over time, the terracotta has acquired a lovely patina, with darker areas that highlight its depth and add character. This terracotta portrait plaque by Jean-Baptiste Nini is a testament to the artist's exceptional skills and an invaluable historical artifact that immortalizes the likeness of one of the most iconic figures in French history. Beyond its artistic beauty, it serves as a window into the cultural ambiance of Paris in the 1700s, making it a truly remarkable and prized piece of art from a bygone era.

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