ANTOINE BOVY (1795-1877) - Medallion with portrait of Franz Liszt

Descriptio Copper medallion framed in wood and gilded stucco from the Napoleon III era. Dimensions: 20 x 20 cm. Relief medallion depicting the composer Franz Liszt (1811-1886) in profile, with an inspired expression and long hair swept back, according to iconography characteristic of the 1840s, a time when the musician already enjoyed extraordinary fame throughout Europe. The work is based on a model by Antoine Bovy, the celebrated Swiss medalist and sculptor trained in Paris in the workshop of David d’Angers, with whom he shared a taste for portraits that were both idealized and true to life. This type of effigy of musicians, writers, and scholars was especially prized in the 19th century as a collector’s item of distinctly cultural significance. The frame, made of wood and gilt stucco, richly decorated with scrolls, pearls, and foliage, is characteristic of the Second Empire style and enhances the contrast between the copper surface of the medallion and the gleam of the gilt, underscoring the piece’s intimate and prestigious nature. Antoine Bovy created several medals and medallions dedicated to Liszt in various materials, and comparable examples are held in institutions such as the Musée d’Orsay, the British Museum, and the Bibliothèque nationale de France. Our example, preserved in its period frame, is in very good condition and has a beautiful patina; it also retains an old label on the reverse indicating its London provenance in 1875. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required. Due to its age and history of use, this lot may show signs of wear and previous interventions. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no specialized technical testing has been performed. The absence of any mention of restorations does not guarantee that none exist. You may request additional information before placing a bid. This does not affect the buyer’s statutory rights.

Estimate:$1,120.56

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