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Hand-carved circa 1815, this pair of small giltwood busts date to the end of the final reign of Napoleon. Napoleon was fond of classical civilizations, such as ancient Egypt, and the visage of the woman captured in the bust is reminiscent of many sphinxes of the Empire period.
CONDITION: Good antique condition. Minor nicks and losses, with some exposed areas of red bole from commensurate gilding losses. The busts have been mounted to painted black stands more recently. The busts were most likely part of a larger installation, as evidenced by wood fills to the top of both heads.
