Voltaire Bust

Life-size plaster bust of Voltaire, after the 18th-century original by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Handmade by the Nicholas H Wood Studio, England.

This life-size plaster bust of Voltaire is a reproduction of the iconic portrait by Jean-Antoine Houdon, France’s foremost sculptor of the Enlightenment. The original, commissioned in 1778 by Voltaire’s niece and later gifted to the Comédie Française, was created shortly after the philosopher’s celebrated return to Paris at the age of 83. A second version was made for Catherine the Great of Russia.

Handmade in England by the Nicholas H Wood studio, this bust captures the sharp intellect, wit, and irreverent spirit of one of history’s most influential thinkers. Voltaire—philosopher, satirist, dramatist, and tireless advocate for civil liberties—was a central figure of the French Enlightenment. The portrait masterfully blends classical and contemporary styles: draped shoulders hint at antiquity, while the naturalistic features and modest wig ground the work in Voltaire’s time.

Dimensions: 50cm (height) x 30cm (width) x 22cm (depth).

Shipping Information 

Ships in 1 - 2 days from the Nicholas H Wood studio in Wiltshire, UK.
Free collection from the studio on request!
Expertly packaged in eco-friendly packaging, for domestic and international shipping.
Customs and duties are the responsibility of the buyer.