catalog text
A CARVED MARBLE BUST OF A CLASSICAL STATESMAN
Carrara marble on separately turned socle | unsigned | Circa mid-to-late 19th century
Item # 307FDI13Q
An incredibly powerful bust of a yet unidentified Classical Statesman executed with exacting realism, the sitter is an imposing personality of determination and resolve. His jaw-line is set and his eyes have a certain humor in them, an intelligence that seems to measure everything. An impressive work, not only for the great subject matter but for the exceedingly good execution.
Note the restraint of the unknown sculptor, his chisel tracing on the face only hints of wrinkles and faint lines of stress and difficulty; his eyebrows are brought to life with only the most essential textures; age lines tug at the edges of his ears and along his brow. And naturally his hair is exquisitely textured and the garment is impeccably detailed.
The bust is carved of a single solid massive bloack of Carrara marble and rests over its original separately turned socle, this with a tiny steel pin that centers the bust on the base.
Measurements: 25 3/4" H x 11 1/2" D x 17 1/2" W, 8" base diameter
Condition Report:
Large chipped loss to back of left ear; discoloration and light chipping throughout, especially around the edges of the shoulders along the back; an overall lightly matte/honed surface.