Pugi, Young Embroiderer, 1920s, Alabaster

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Description

Refined Antique Alabaster Sculpture by Pugi – Young Embroiderer – Early 1900s
Item

Splendid antique sculpture in polychrome and veined … Read more Refined Antique Alabaster Sculpture by Pugi – Young Embroiderer – Early 1900s
Item

Splendid antique sculpture in polychrome and veined alabaster, depicting a young girl seated on a rock, intent on the delicate work of embroidery or lacemaking.

The work is an excellent example of early 20th-century Italian genre portraiture. The masterful execution is evident in the contrast between the different textures of the alabaster: the girl's skin is smooth and diaphanous, while the dress and apron exploit the natural grain of the stone to simulate the folds and texture of fabric.
Artistic Details:

Face and Hairstyle: The face presents a sweet and thoughtful expression. The head is wrapped in a finely engraved floral-patterned handkerchief, knotted with realism.

Clothing: The attention to detail is extraordinary; Note the lace trim on the sleeve and the meticulous workmanship of the piece of fabric the young woman holds in her hands, where every stitch seems almost real.

Material: Natural alabaster with dark gray veins that give depth and character to the piece, making each piece unique.

Signature: The work bears the engraved signature "Pugi," a guarantee of authenticity and artistic value attributable to the renowned Florentine Pugi workshop.

Dimensions and Condition:

Dimensions: Height 60 cm, base 22 x 20 cm.

Condition: The sculpture is in excellent overall condition. The patina is original.

Guglielmo Pugi (1850–1915), one of the most significant representatives of Italian decorative sculpture between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Biographical Profile of Guglielmo Pugi

His Work in Florence: Pugi lived and worked in Florence, where he founded a highly successful atelier, "Guglielmo Pugi e Figli." The studio specialized in marble and alabaster, materials he sculpted with virtuosic technique to meet growing international demand.

International Success: He was a highly regarded artist abroad, particularly in the United States.

Style and Themes: His style blends academic realism with the soft lines of Art Nouveau. He stood out for his ability to portray delicate female subjects, historical busts, and genre scenes. His specialty was "painting on stone": he knew how to exploit the natural grain of alabaster to add color and movement to clothing and details, as seen in the sculpture presented here.

The Legacy: After his death, the business was carried on by his sons, Gino and Fiorenzo, maintaining the reputation of the Pugi name in the decorative arts market. See less