Anonieme Europese kunst-en gipsateliers Toscane - S.Setto - Sculpture, Buste van Ludwig van Beethoven - 42 cm - Solid gypsum

Beautifully preserved bust mounted on a stylish marble plaque.
Has very light, characterful signs of wear that suit the age but do not detract from the piece. See photos, these belong to the ad.
The overall beauty and presence are certainly there.
Neoclassical.
The statue is finished with a faux-bronze patina. This is a two-tone artistic layer where a dark-green base (verdigris effect) is combined with subtle metallic or lighter accents to evoke the illusion of old, oxidized bronze on the plaster work.
Number 4 refers to the mold number or model number within the atelier.
These ateliers bought or replicated the historical molds to produce them in larger editions in the 60s/70s for the European interior market. That market experienced a revival around 1960/70 and a demand for classical, academic mood-setters for the living room, especially around pianos and bookcases. In a more affordable form instead of the almost unaffordable bronze.
So this is a limited atelier reproduction.
Note: this bust weighs 9.5 kg and that clearly says something about the quality. The later reproductions weigh 1.5–2.5 kg and were thus much cheaper.
The bust is therefore about 65 years old in fine condition. And it grabs you! The look in the eyes is phenomenal, with a very strong artistic force.
To be sent by registered mail, well packed and with TT code.