Mademoiselle Jubin

Art Historical Context

Step into the refined world of 19th-century French portraiture with *Mademoiselle Jubin*, captivating marble bust sculpted by Pierre-Jean David d'Angers in 1829. Measuring 60 × 59.7 × 19 cm, this intimate work exemplifies the artist's mastery in capturing the human form. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Department of Painting and Sculpture of, it stands as a testament to the enduring tradition of marble sculpture. David d'Angers, a prominent figure in French Romanticism with neoclassical roots, was renowned for his portrait busts that celebrated individual character and intellect. Working during the Bourbon Restoration's final years, he produced works blending precise anatomical detail with emotional depth—hallmarks of his style. Marble, prized for its luminous translucency and workability, allowed him to render subtle textures like soft skin and flowing drapery, evoking classical antiquity while speaking to contemporary tastes. This bust likely served as a private commission, reflecting the era's fascination with personal commemoration among the elite. Its serene gaze and elegant poise highlight David d'Angers's skill in imbuing stone with life, inviting viewers to ponder the subject's story amid the Romantic pursuit of the sublime human spirit. A gem for sculpture enthusiasts!

About the Artist

Pierre Jean David d'Angers · 1788–1856

Pierre-Jean David d'Angers, born on March 12, 1788, in Angers, France, to a wood carver and ornamental sculptor father who had fought in the Republican army, began his artistic training locally under Marchand and Jean-Jacques Delusse at the École centrale d'Angers from 1806 to 1807. In 1808, he arrived in Paris with scant funds and entered the studio of Philippe-Laurent Roland, later working under...