Bust of a young woman

myminifactory

This portrait by François Nicolas Delaistre exudes sensitivity and elegance. The sculptor skillfully merged realistic details, such as a mole on her nose, with stylized treatment of her spirited eyes and fashionable hairstyle, hallmarks of this artist's portrait work. Her skin is smooth and supple; her parted lips reveal some of her teeth, giving the impression she is in mid-sentence as she turns her head to the left demurely. Delaistre joined Louis-Claude Vassé's studio at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and won first prize for sculpture in 1772 with his bas-relief "The Meal of King Balthazar." This achievement earned him a stipend to study in Rome. Augustin Pajou, a friend, influenced Delaistre's early works. Between 1799 and 1814, Delaistre showcased approximately 25 works at the Salon, with 18 being portraits or busts. His talent in portraiture was recognized when he was chosen to capture the imperial couple - Napoleon and Marie-Louise. (Credit: Sotheby's)