Antique marble « Man from Sudan » busts

Antique marble « Man from Sudan » busts : This is an exceptional pair of polychrome marble busts atop very appropriate black Classic fluted columns (not marble). In solid black and white marble the busts are expertly carved, reflecting the historical elegance and the craftsmanship of that period. Each life-size bust depicts the finely detailed figure’s features and clothing, creating a striking graphic contrast between the black and the white marble.

These Orientalism style sculptures could be attributed to Charles Henri Joseph CORDIER (1827 – 1905), however no signature is visible *. It is of interest to compare these marble busts with the « Homme du Soudan en costume algérien » by Charles Henri Joseph CORDIER on display at the Musée d’Orsay.
See this link : Charles Cordier

His original (1856/1857) at the Musée d’Orsay had a bronze head and the turban and mantle were sculpted in onyx marble from Algeria. This pair is comparable but is in black and white marble.*

Dimensions approx :

• Overall Height 204 cm (80 inches)
• Bust: height 84 cm (33 inches) x width 62 cm (24.5 inches) at widest, and at base 28 cm (11 inches)
• Column: Height 120 cm (47 inches) x diametre 29 cm (11.5 inches) x Base 40 cm (16 inches)

On display in BCA’s new showrooms at Pont L’Evêque near Deauville in Normandy.

* Any visit to assess and authenticate is most welcome.