Large Antique Italian Adolfo Cipriani ( 1857–1941 )Alabaster Bust Sculpture

ADOLFO CIPRIANI

Italian, 1857–1941

A large and exceptionally decorative Italian carved white alabaster bust of an elegant young woman, dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, circa 1900, and executed in the characteristic Art Nouveau style.

The young woman is portrayed with a serene downward gaze and delicately modeled facial features. Her hair is arranged beneath an elaborate headdress, exceptionally carved to imitate fine lace. The deeply undercut and pierced openwork decoration creates a remarkable sense of lightness and delicacy in the stone.

Flowing ribbons frame the sitter’s face, while finely carved drapery falls gracefully across her shoulders and chest. A naturalistically modeled cluster of flowers and foliage decorates one side of the garment, further emphasizing the elegant, organic lines associated with the Art Nouveau movement.

The extraordinary attention given to the facial features, hair, floral ornament, drapery, and intricate lacework demonstrates Cipriani’s accomplished handling of alabaster. The bust is raised on its original integral tapered alabaster pedestal.

Signed “A. Cipriani” to the reverse.

Height: 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm)

Width: 12 in. (30.5 cm)

Depth: 10 in. (25.4 cm)

Condition: Very good antique condition with a couple of very small chips to the stone, which are unobtrusive and do not detract from the overall appearance of the sculpture.