Jean-Baptiste Baujault (1828-1899)
The First Mirror
Bronze with light brown patina
Signed "Baujault" on the reverse
Bears the founder's mark "F. Barbedienne Fondeur Paris" and the stamp "A. Collas réduction mécanique"
Bears the number "318" or "3/8"
H: 68 cm
Related work:
Jean-Baptiste Baujault, Le Premier Miroir, marble, H: 170 cm, 1873, Niort, musée d'Agesci, inv. RF 217
Related literature:
Florence Rionnet, Les Bronzes Barbedienne. L'œuvre d'une dynastie de fondeurs (1834-1954), Paris, Arthena, 2016, model listed under cat. 428, p. 272, reproduced on p. 146
A student of François Jouffroy when he entered the École des Beaux-Arts in 1852, Jean-Baptiste Baujault exhibited regularly at the Salon from 1859. The marble model of Premier Miroir was presented at the 1873 Salon (under number 1514) where it was acquired by the State. The work was then recovered by the artist, who presented it at the Universal Exhibitions of 1878, 1889 and 1900 before it was deposited in the Musée d'Agesci in Niort in 1901. A first reduction in silvered bronze was also exhibited by the artist at the 1875 Salon.
Our copy has a drapery covering the nudity of the female figure. This addition was imposed by the publisher Barbedienne in the conditions of the contract established with the sculptor for his marble and bronze editions.
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