Portrait of Charles Gounod

Charles Gounod was a French composer famous for his operas, including Faust. The turn of the sitter’s head and the delicate modeling give the sculpture a sense of vitality and spontaneity, as if it had been made in a single session. In fact, Gounod recalled that the bust required nearly fourteen sittings to complete.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 14 minutes):

Charles Gounod: Faust, Ballet music