This item is a collectable French gilt-brass bust of philospher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. NOTE: Sometimes paired with Voltaire, another philospher. There are several historical and reproduction options for a “brass pedestal figure of J.J. Rousseau” ranging from antique French brass/bronze busts to modern, smaller decorative pieces.
Material: Finely chiseled brass/bronze, gilded (oromolu), a top a white marble pedestal. Brass or bronze, often with a “specimen” marble or wood base.
Period: Commonly dates to the 18th to 19th century.
Design: Features ornate decorative elements on the column base, such as bronze or brass garlands.
Style: Louis XVI (16th) period style.
Origin: Often attributed to French 18th to 19th century or in a style of sculptor like Joseph Rossat.
Small Decorative Busts: Modern, sometimes 3D printed or smaller-high detail desk-sized busts (Approx. 6.5 to 9.5 inches of Rousseau.
I believe the metal portions are made of brass components, as opposed to bronze. Brass retains its shine and brilliance, while bronze can have oxidation-corrosion on it. I’ve owned this item since the 1980’s and have yet to see the brilliance diminish, just wiping it down would bring the luster back.
Information:
Height: 9”
Width: 3.25”. (ON the busts head and shoulders)
Length: 3.25” (On the busts shoulders and head)
Circumference of Base: 9.50”
Circumference of pedestal: 8.5”
Weight: 3 lbs. 8 ounces