LATE 18TH EARLY 19TH CENTURY, WORKSHOPS OF ROSSET

Details

A SET OF THREE IVORY BUSTS OF PHILOSOPHERS
Late 18th early 19th Century, workshops of Rosset
Including Voltaire, Rousseau and another, possibly d'Alembert, each depicted on an ebonised socle and turned pedestal with moulded foot
6½ in. (16.5 cm.) high (3)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

These small ivory busts of three renowned French figures were the speciality of Jean-Claude-François-Joseph Rosset (1706-1786) whose workshop was established at the confluence of the Bienne and Tacon rivers, at Saint-Claude, in the Jura mountains. In 1771, Rosset settled in Paris and specialised in busts of Voltaire, Montesquieu, d'Alembert and other French notables. Three of his four sons followed in his profession. See R. H. Randall, Jr., Masterpieces of Ivory From the Walters Art Gallery [Baltimore], London, 1985, nos. 433 & 434, pp. 298-299.

More from The Library at Gaiter's Green and Fine English Furniture

View All