Dr. J. Parrat 1875

This is a plaster bust of Dr. J. Parrat, made by Paul Dubois sometime in the 19th century. Plaster is a humble material, often used for sketching ideas or replicating existing sculptures. It allows for a direct, hands-on approach; the artist can quickly build up form, capture subtle details, and refine the surface. The matte, chalky finish emphasizes the play of light and shadow, highlighting the sitter's features. You can see the marks of the artist’s tools, bearing witness to the labor involved in shaping the material. Consider the way the artist has manipulated the plaster to mimic the texture of skin and hair; it reveals a keen understanding of anatomy and a refined sculpting technique. In its time, plaster allowed for a wider distribution of sculptural likenesses at a lower cost, and for a rising middle class to participate in art consumption. Appreciating the work of Dubois means understanding not just the artistry on display, but the wider cultural context of craft, industry, and artistic expression in 19th-century France.