Early 20th Century Italian Carved Marble Bust of Maiden, Signed Pugi

$2,800

About

Carved in Italy circa 1900–1910, this finely detailed marble bust portrays a serene young woman in Renaissance attire and is signed “Pugi” on the reverse. The piece is attributed to Guglielmo Pugi (1850–1915) or his Florence-based workshop Pugi & Sons, renowned for producing elegant classical and allegorical sculptures for the European and American Grand Tour market. The figure’s gentle, downcast expression and softly modeled features convey an idealized beauty, while the bonnet and gown are richly engraved with floral and geometric motifs. The sculptor masterfully contrasts textures and tones: the smooth ivory hue of the face and décolleté is set against the warm, veined caramel alabaster of her garments, creating a subtle yet striking interplay of color and surface. Pugi’s works, often signed simply “Pugi”, were widely exhibited and collected during the Belle Époque, admired for their romanticism and technical refinement. The firm exhibited at international expositions and is frequently represented in major decorative arts collections today. In excellent condition commensurate with age, this sculpture is a superb example of early 20th-century Italian craftsmanship and would make an elegant addition to any classical or traditional interior. Weight: 46 pounds 13”W x 7”D x 19.25”H

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