French historicist school of the 19th century - Lot 14

French historicist school of the 19th century Portrait of Henri IV White marble bust. Accident and restoration to the tip of the nose, small loss to the right sleeve, soiling. 52 x 47 cm Provenance: probably acquired in the late 19th century by Gustave Lebaudy for the Château de Rosny-sur-Seine; sold on October 18, 1993 by Maître Rogeon, lot 39; private collection. This work was listed as a Monument Historique by decree on September 6, 1990. This marble bust is a portrait of King Henri IV. Traditionally portrayed in armor by Guillaume Dupré or as Jupiter by Barthélémy Prieur, the sovereign is here dressed in a pourpoint adorned with stylized plant motifs and a strawberry. The costume, typical of 17th-century fashion, the modern physiognomy of the face and the cut of the bust are in keeping with the historicist trend developing in the 19th century. For a time, this bust was kept at the Château de Rosny-sur-Seine, built by Maximilien de Béthune, Duc de Sully. It was probably acquired by the industrialist Gustave Lebaudy, who owned the estate from 1869 to 1955, with a view to redeveloping it. The château's furniture was dispersed at two public sales, one in 1795 during the Revolution and the other after the arrest of the Duchesse de Berry, and was replaced by objects similar to those listed in the inventories drawn up in 1792. This portrait of Henri IV reflects the collector's quest for legitimacy, while at the same time paying tribute to the château's history, marked by the influence of the Duc de Sully and King Henri IV. The château's furniture was classified as a historic monument in 1990.