A rare pair of terracotta portrait busts of these children: Alexandre (1770-1847) and his younger sister Louise (1772-1845). The siblings were the children of Alexandre-Théodore Brogniart, a successful and well connected 18th century French architect, who was friends with other preeminent artists of the day, including Jean Antoine Houdon who sculpted the originals of these portrait busts, also executed in terracotta and today in the collection of the Louvre. Good antique condition, the creamy terracotta is lightly burnished and patinated, with the plinths painted in a faux marble finish. Each marked at the back: “d’après Houdon.” Attractive light wear and typical artisanal irregularities to the surface and patina. Likely early 20th century after the antique originals. H: 15 ½ “W: 8 ½” the other slightly wider @ 9” D: 6”