Young Girl at The Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris

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A portrait of a young girl in marble by French sculptor Jacques Saly is mentioned as being exhibited at the Salon in Paris in 1750 by Stanislas Lami, a prominent French historian and sculptor. Art collector and connoisseur Mariette notes in 1753 that a pretty head of a young girl is being sculpted by Saly in Rome, made from marble. Several versions of this bust survive to this day, with numerous writers discussing them extensively. These include another marble version believed to be the original, now held in a private collection, as well as other versions crafted in terracotta, bronze, and faience. The V&A bust is thought to be an early copy of the original model, created in the second half of the 18th century. It is highly likely that this bust was created by Saly himself, although it remains unsigned. Debate has surrounded the identity of the sitter for some time now. In the past, she was believed to be Alexandrine d'Etoilles, daughter of Mme de Pompadour, and subsequently, the daughter of Jean-Francois de Troy, Director of the French Academy in Rome when Saly studied there in the 1740s. However, both theories have since been dismissed, leaving her true identity unknown. Francois Boucher, a prominent artist from the period, reproduced Saly's bust in a panel titled "The Arts and Sciences: Painting and Sculpture," which was part of a series he created for Madame de Pompadour between 1750-52. This work is currently on display at the Frick Collection in New York alongside other panels from the same series. The enduring appeal of Saly's bust has led to numerous copies being made, including those produced during the nineteenth century. Jacques François Joseph Saly, more commonly known as Jacques Saly, was born in France and initially trained under the guidance of sculptor Guillaume Coustou. He secured a place at the French Academy in Rome where he studied between 1740-48. Following several years spent back in Paris, Saly departed for Copenhagen in 1753, having been recommended to create an equestrian statue of King Frederick V of Denmark. This project occupied him for many years and was eventually completed in 1768. The Royal Danish Academy of Art was established in 1754, with Saly serving as its Director from the outset.