Object Description
This is a splendid antique Italian carved alabaster sculpture of a naked maiden, circa 1880 in date.
This finely carved sculpture depicts a beautiful young naked maiden, she is exquisitely modelled sitting on a rocky outcrop.
The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this artwork.
Condition:
In really excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 54 x Width 26 x Depth 28
Weight 23.5 kg
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 9 inches x Width 10 inches x Depth 11 inches
Weight 51.8 lbs
Alabaster – is a name applied to varieties of two distinct minerals, when used as a material: gypsum and calcite also known as onyx-marble, Egyptian alabaster or Oriental alabaster.
In general, but not always, ancient Alabaster in Egypt and the Near & Middle East is calcite. Alabaster in medieval Europe is gypsum. Modern Alabaster is probably calcite, but may be either. Both are easy to ‘work’ and as both are slightly water soluble, have been used for making a variety of indoor artworks and carvings, as they will not survive long outdoors.
The finer kinds of alabaster are employed largely as an ornamental stone, especially for ecclesiastical decoration and for the rails of staircases and halls. Alabaster is also used widely by the sculptors.
In Europe, the centre of the alabaster trade is Florence, Italy.
Our reference: A3143