Lorenzo Bartolini (1777-1850) and Workshop Italian, early 19th century

Surface slightly worn and dirty overall, with very minor chips, scratches, and abrasions, particularly to edges and also including a small chip to center of proper left breast. Visible remains of glued labels on proper right shoulder and drapery over proper left shoulder. Separately carved socle affixed to base of bust with metal pin. Would benefit from cleaning. Beautifully carved.
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RELATED LITERATURE
Gérard Hubert, Les Sculpteurs Italiens en France sous la Revolution, L'Empire et la Restauration, Paris, 1964, p. 88, fig. 43
Gérard Hubert, La Sculpture dans l'Italie Napoléonienne, Paris, 1964, p. 353

Lorenzo Bartolini first worked as an alabaster carver in Florence and journeyed to Paris in 1797 where he studied at the Academy. He received several state commissions and in 1808 was sent by Napoleon to Carrara to found a school for sculptors. After the fall of the Empire, he moved to Florence and became chairman of the Academy in 1839.

When Empress Marie-Louise arrived in Paris in 1810, only Antonio Canova and François Bosio were given sittings with her. Bosio's bust was exhibited in that year and a number of plasters were made from it, one of which was sent to the new Empress's sister-in-law, Elisa, Grand-Duchess of Tuscany. She in turn had a copy made from it by her court sculptor Bartolini in 1811. This bust is preserved in the Musée Marmottan, Paris, and is inscribed BARTOLINI DIREXIT DE BOSIO.

We know four variants of Marie-Louise including: one (signed) is preserved in the Musée Marmottan, Paris, another listed by Hubert (op. cit.) at the Comédie Française (unsigned) and another variant (unsigned) with larger diadem and partially revealed lace bodice, exhibited at Heim Gallery, London, Autumn exhibition 1972, no. 46.