1831 Rare Antique Bronze Portrait Relief of Justus von Liebig — Signed David For Sale

Offered is an exceptionally rare 19th-century bronze portrait relief depicting Justus von Liebig, one of the founding figures of modern chemistry. The relief bears a clearly integrated 1831 date, indicating an early lifetime portrait, created well before Liebig’s later international fame.
The plaque is executed in deeply modeled bronze with strong academic realism. Original sand-casting texture, visible casting seams, hand-finished edges, and naturally developed verdigris patina are all consistent with early 19th-century European bronze production. No modern refinishing is present.
The portrait is signed “David”, almost certainly identifying the original sculptor who modeled the relief rather than a later reproducer. The inscription style, sculptural quality, and early date strongly support a contemporary academic origin rather than a later commemorative casting.
⸻
Inscriptions
• Left: “Just Liebig” (period abbreviation)
• Bottom: 1831
• Artist signature: “David” (cursive)
⸻
Academic & Historical Significance
Portrait reliefs of leading 19th-century scientists were not produced for the general market. They were typically commissioned for universities, laboratories, learned societies, or private scholarly circles and once installed, usually remained in academic or institutional collections for generations.
As a result, examples that survive outside of museums or universities are exceptionally scarce and most often surface only through historic estate dispersals.
The presence of an 1831 date is particularly significant, as it represents a contemporary likeness of Liebig at an early stage in his career, when such portraits were produced in very limited from a historic Savannah, Georgia estate, originating from a residence associated with the Grayson family. The home was constructed for William Grayson and remained in private hands for generations. The estate sale included numerous period antiques and historically significant objects, supporting long-term 19th-century provenance.
Savannah is widely recognized for its preservation of early American historic homes, and objects emerging from intact estates are increasingly sought after by collectors.
⸻
Why This Piece Is Exceptionally Rare/Museum Adjacent
• Early lifetime portrait dated 1831
• Signed by the original sculptor
• Authentic 19th-century bronze casting
• Academic / institutional origin
• Rare survival in private hands
• Strong documented estate antique condition. Surface wear, oxidation, and casting irregularities consistent with age. No modern repairs or refinishing. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.