19th Century Italian Polychromed Terracotta Bust of a Saint

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ITALIAN POLYCHROMED TERRACOTTA BUST OF A SAINT

Circa mid-to-late 19th century

Terracotta, walnut, glass eyes

Bust: 8 3/8" H x … Read more ITALIAN POLYCHROMED TERRACOTTA BUST OF A SAINT

Circa mid-to-late 19th century

Terracotta, walnut, glass eyes

Bust: 8 3/8" H x 3 1/2" D x 4 3/4" W
Overall: 11" H x 4 1/2" D x 5 1/4" W

A dramatic modeling of a saint with a lovely original polychromed surface raised on a later walnut base, the top of his head is drilled where a halo would likely have projected. The cast terracotta is beautifully worked and retains fingerprints and the tactile working of the sculptor captured in the material. The figure retains the original inset glass eyes.

Condition: Loss to polychroming throughout. Chip to proper right shoulder with other lesser points of abrading and minor chipping. Old label on side of base with a scratched out $ 750 price.

ref. 608AZR10P See less