Bust of Juliette Récamier at The Kiev Museum of Art, Ukraine

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Madame Recamier coyly lowers her gaze, holding a veil across her chest. The sheath both modestly conceals and reveals her breasts. Sculptor Joseph Chinard skillfully compensates for the artificiality of the bust form by elongating it to mid-torso and covering the transition between the body and pedestal with drapery, creating a work of unexpected naturalism. The softly modeled limbs and slight twists of her head and shoulders suggest a living presence while the upswept hairstyle suggests Recamier's refinement. Juliette Recamier was celebrated in French Empire society for her beauty and passionate relationships. Married at fifteen to a wealthy lawyer who may have been her biological father, she had an unhappy, unconsummated marriage and engaged in numerous public affairs, most notably with the Prussian Prince Augustus, the youngest brother of King Frederick II. In her Parisian townhouse, she hosted a fashionable literary salon frequented by the political and educated elite. Some of the most accomplished portraitists of the era sculpted, drew, and painted her image. Chinard's terracotta bust, considered one of the most successful at capturing her spirit and beauty, was produced in several different versions in both clay and marble. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help. Scanned: Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)