Alabaster Bust

A striking turn-of-the-century Italian bust of a baigneuse, a young woman depicted with short, curling hair and a beautifully tied bathing scarf. Her face and torso are carved from fine white alabaster, softly modeled with serene expression and elegant contours. The headscarf and integral lower plinth are executed in richly veined blood marble, creating a dramatic contrast between texture, tone, and light.

This example shows exceptional craftsmanship for the period, with delicately carved features, crisp drapery in the scarf, and a graceful transition from bust to marble base. At 25 inches tall, it is a substantial decorative sculpture with strong presence and timeless Belle Époque charm.

Materials

White alabaster bust

Blood marble scarf and base

Original three-part construction, typical of Italian workshop production circa 1890–1910.

Dimensions

25” H × 14” W × 10” D

Italy, c. 1900

Condition: Excellent antique condition with light age-appropriate surface wear. The alabaster retains its natural translucency and smooth polish. Minor toning at the seams expected of alabaster pieces of this age. No structural cracks or restorations noted.

Collector’s Note

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian ateliers in Florence and Milan produced a series of celebrated busts in mixed alabaster and colored marble, intended for export to France, England, and the United States. The baigneuse motif, women with bathing scarves or windswept drapery, was especially popular for its blend of classical beauty and modern Art Nouveau elegance.

This bust is a particularly fine example, distinguished by its size, material contrast, and the richly patterned blood marble base. Sculptures of this scale and quality remain highly collectible and are sought after for both private interiors and design-forward spaces.

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