Bust "Elizabeth (Chopin Square, Malaya)"

Delve into the golden era of the Russian tsars with Chopin Model 1868, a miniaturized, budget-friendly collection of bronze busts sculpted by the famed 'Bronze Magician', Felix Chopin (1813-1892). A French-Russian artist with imperial patronage, Chopin became well known for his work on historical figures, particularly the regal suites of Russian rulers.

Chopin's journey with bust sculptures began in 1840 when he came across marble busts crafted by A. Penna, an Italian sculptor. Though Penna had never set foot in Russia, his busts of Russian emperors and dukes carried a distinctive charm. Inspired by Penna's work, Chopin decided to create a series of busts that masterfully combined his artistic acumen with compelling historical storytelling.

In 1849, Chopin unveiled his groundbreaking exhibit comprising of 63 life-size busts of Russian rulers, a monumental achievement that catapulted him to international acclaim. However, in 1868, Chopin decided to take a different path and introduced a scaled-down version of his royal busts. By transitioning from life-size to the more manageable, miniature busts, Chopin tapped into the rising trend of cabinet sculptures.

The result was the 1868 series - a set of smaller, yet equally detailed and mesmerizing busts that fit perfectly on a bookshelf or a study table. Unlike their larger counterparts, these mini artworks were not just easily transportable, but also considerably more affordable, making them instant favourites among art connoisseurs and history enthusiasts alike.