This terracotta bust by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse depicts Marie-Antoinette with the refined elegance characteristic of 19th century French portraiture. The work showcases the sculptor's skillful modeling of delicate facial features and elaborate period dress, mounted on an ebonized wood base that enhances its presentation. As a prominent academic sculptor of the Second Empire and Third Republic, Carrier-Belleuse created numerous portrait busts that demonstrated both technical mastery and the ability to capture aristocratic bearing.