Aymard-Jean de Nicolay at The Kimbell Art Museum, Texas

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In his portraits of Enlightenment-era men of letters and nobility, Houdon pioneered a fresh genre, striking a perfect balance between informality of expression and dignified presentation. His 1779 bust of Aymard-Jean de Nicolay, marquis de Goussainville (1709-1785), stole the show at the Salon, wowing critics with its "perfect resemblance" paired with an elegance and nobility of form that rivaled the finest aristocracy. As a member of the robe noblesse, whose noble lineage dated back to the sixteenth century, Nicolay held a revered position as First President of the Chambre des Comptes, overseeing the royal accounts and law registrations for the Crown's domain. Houdon's masterpiece lies in the intricate carving of Nicolay's face and hair, where his genius as a portraitist shines brightest. The eyes, in particular, are a testament to his skill – he carefully excised the iris, then drilled a deeper hole for the pupil, leaving a delicate marble fragment to dangle above it. This results in a captivating vivacity and mobility of expression that was praised even in Houdon's own time; art historians note that he might have been the first sculptor in history to masterfully render eyes. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative launched by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a free digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from around the world for public access. Scan The World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items nearby and want to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help.