Small French Cast Iron and Wood Bust of Woman, Circa 1880

Cast in France, circa 1880, this small iron bust of a woman has been presented on a two-and-a-half-inch thick circular wood plinth with a thin recessed molding near the top. The woman has a plumed fascinator-style hat cocked over her right ear and affixed with a band over a thick bun. A fascinator is an ornamental headpiece often worn by women that is secured to the side of the head via a strap, rather than settling over the crown like a traditional hat.

The woman also is clad in a fluted and laced blouse beneath an overcoat with raised collar. A studded lozenge necklace with a gadrooned cabochon pendant hangs over her collarbones, extending down toward the base of the bust. Based on her attire, the subject of our cast iron and wood bust was most likely a member of the upper class, and the piece was quite possibly a commissioned piece of art for her. Today, the sculpture can be displayed in any room of the house as a beautiful decorative piece.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with minor age separations to the wood, with a more pronounced separation to the iron portion of the woman’s back (see detailed photo, strong-no movement). Light buildup to the iron, resulting in a light brown patina in some areas.

H - 17, W - 9, D - 8 (also diameter of the base)