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The Marie sculpture may have been inspired by one of the most tragic love affairs of the late 19th century. Limited Edition
Museum Quality Reproduction.
It has been speculated that this incredibly beautiful sculpture is linked to one of the
great love affairs of the late 19th century involving the last royal family of Austria. Prince Rudolph, son of King Franz
Joseph had fallen in love with Baroness Marie. Unfortunately the love affair ended in a tragedy reminiscent of Romeo &
Juliet as the royal families conspired to keep the young lovers away from each other. This sculpture may have been cast of
Marie in secret just before the young lover's deaths in 1889.
The sculpture was discovered only recently among the
excavated ruins of a home leveled during WWI about 70 miles outside of Vienna. The name Marie was discovered carved into a
remnant of the crate holding the sculpture. No one knows for certain if this is the very same Marie, who's love affair with
the prince brought down an empire --- but certainly the age, craftsmanship and name on the crate reveal strong circumstantial
clues. The artist was clearly a great craftsman of the time but due the negative press surrounding the relationship it is
speculated that he omitted his signature in order to protect his reputation.
Now you can enjoy this incredible piece
of history. We have painstakingly recreated this masterpiece down to the antiqued pewter finish. Each sculpture has been hand
cast in silicone resin like many of the finest reproduction statuary found in the world's most prestigious museum stores.
Every sculpture is then hand finished with a pewter antique wash. Includes silicone pedestal base with antique pewter finish.
Was this Rudolph's loving tribute to Marie? The resemblance is certainly striking.
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