19th Century Cast Iron Napoleon Bonaparte Bust After Jean Bulio

A Commanding Portrait of Imperial Ambition
Presenting a magnificent late 19th-century cast iron desktop bust of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. 

This commanding portrait is sculpted after the renowned French artist Jean Bulio (1827–1911), celebrated for his meticulous attention to military portraiture and historical grandeur.

This casting perfectly captures Napoleon wearing his favored military dress: the uniform of a Colonel of the Chasseurs à Cheval of the Imperial Guard. The level of detail achieved by the foundry is exceptional—from the pointed lapels, heavily textured fringed epaulettes, and the sharp tailoring of his high collar, to the clear depiction of the Star of the Legion of Honour proudly displayed on his chest. 
The piece features the classic hollow-cast base construction that is characteristic of premium French iron foundries of the period.

Traditional Sand Casting Craftsmanship
This piece was produced using authentic 19th-century sand casting techniques, a highly skilled and labor-intensive foundry process. By packing incredibly fine, specially formulated foundry sand tightly around a master model, the artisans were able to create a precise, single-use mold. This traditional method is responsible for the piece's substantial weight (1,371 grams) and the classic hollow-cast base construction that is highly characteristic of premium French ironworks of the era.

Dimensions and Condition 
Material: Cast Iron with an authentic dark antique patina
Weight: 1,371 grams (1.37 kg)
Height: Approx. 17.5 cm
Period: Late 19th Century
Origin: France (Attributed to a historical French iron foundry)

Authentic Antique Patina
The iron features a beautiful, untouched dark historical finish. 
The original blackened surface displays slight, age-appropriate wear. Raw iron is visible around the facial area, with pitting, gently highlighting the 100 year plus honest wear. 
Raised casting details of the military decorations add to its authentic 19th-century character. It has been carefully preserved to maintain the integrity of the antique iron without over-restoration.

This piece is perfect for collectors of Napoleonic Empire history, French military antiquities, classical desktop bronzes and ironworks, and curators of fine 19th-century European art. This bust carries immense physical and historical presence, making it a striking centerpiece for a library, desk, or curated mantle.
Please carefully review all photographs as they form part of the description. This exceptional antique will be meticulously packaged and shipped fully insured from Germany to protect your investment.