In 2015, news emerged that an 18th-century marble bust of the goddess Diana, stolen by the Nazis during World War II, was auctioned in Austria for 250,000 euros by a private individual.
The bust was later returned to Poland, which had been searching for the piece by the renowned French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon since 1940. Before its disappearance, the bust was part of the collection of the last Polish king, Stanisław August Poniatowski.
Another intriguing story involving Houdon’s work involves Calouste Gulbenkian, an Armenian oil entrepreneur, who in 1929-1930 purchased numerous pieces from the Hermitage, including Rubens’ “Portrait of Helena Furman,” “Athena Pallas,” and Rembrandt’s “Portrait of an Old Man.”
Houdon’s two-meter marble sculpture “Diana” also found its way into Gulbenkian’s collection in Portugal. The “wanderings” of this statue—Houdon’s most famous work—could fill a separate narrative.
Art historians today agree on the statue of Diana as “the most amazing sculpted female nude” and regard Houdon as an artist who “resurrected the classics of antiquity.”
In 1761, Houdon received the Prize of Rome and spent three years in Italy, perfecting his study of ancient sculpture. There he created a marble statue of St. Bruno for Santa Maria degli Angeli, with a copy used for training sculpture students.
Returning to Paris in 1768, Houdon presented a plaster statue of “Diana the Huntress” in 1777 at the Salon. The sensual silhouette of the naked goddess captivated everyone. He also presented a marble figure of Morpheus, now in the Louvre.
Jean-Antoine Houdon is a recognized master of neoclassical sculpture, revitalizing the grace and perfection of classical antiquity, as one critic noted.
He created many busts of famous contemporaries: Voltaire, Diderot, Catherine II, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Mirabeau, Necker, and others. These are considered true masterpieces. Using Rousseau’s death mask, Houdon fashioned a bronze statue of the thinker, still a popular Louvre attraction.
One of his best-known works is the marble seated figure of Voltaire, made for Catherine II and held in the Hermitage. Bronze copies were crafted for the “Comedy Francese” and St. Petersburg’s public library.
Houdon’s busts are remarkable for their impact. He achieved not only a likeness but also a “living” sense of the character. He skillfully used poses and expressive faces to create a vivid image, which earned him the title of “psychologist of sculpture.”
His works were models for engraved U.S. postage stamps in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring George Washington’s profile. This ensured Houdon’s fame extended beyond Europe and remains significant.
Mastering all materials, Houdon excelled with clay, marble, and bronze, but preferred clay later in life. He paid special attention to his models’ clothing, emphasizing every fold using a thin cutter.
Critics also note his portraits of children, which exhibit an artist’s touch conveying childhood purity and warmth. This is evident in “The Children of Architect Alexander Bronyar,” reflecting Houdon’s close friendship with the family.
Jean-Antoine Houdon was a Freemason and part of the renowned lodge “Les Neuf Sœurs,” reflecting his significant influence during his lifetime. He led a harmonious life, with a successful marriage and two children, entirely devoted to the beauty of art.
Houdon was a remarkable figure, transcending his era and geographic boundaries. His dedication to art defies time, continuing to intrigue us 195 years after his death with a perfection rivaling the greatest masters of antiquity.
Photo: Antique engraving of the statue of the goddess Diana by Jean-Antoine Houdon.
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