Profile Bust of a Young Man 1797 - 1812

This 18th-century profile bust of a young man, sculpted in wax, is a work by the German artist John Christian Rauschner. Created between 1797 and 1812, the small-scale piece is presented in a decorative frame with a sculpted floral motif. Wax portraiture was a popular art form during this period, particularly in Europe, and was considered a unique and intimate way to commemorate individuals. The delicate features and detailed rendering of the sitter’s clothing, especially the cravat, highlight Rauschner's mastery of the medium. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City holds the bust.