Bust of Joan of Arc by Guglielmo Pugi (1850-1915), c. 1900

Bust of a young woman in white alabaster for the head and alabaster or gray veined marble for the bust. Made by the italian sculptor guglielmo pugi (1870-1915), we recognize in this young woman the portrait of joan of arc, with her laced bodice and angelic air, represented a little less large than life. His hair held in the back is covered with a stylized veil. She wears a shirt with puffy sleeves under a leather bodice at chest level. The face has been the subject of special attention: the finesse and elegance of the features are highlighted by the material, which gives a certain transparency to the skin depending on the lighting. At least two other versions of this sculpture are known and are also in private collections. Born in fiesole, near florence, guglielmo pugi is one of the main representatives of the italian art nouveau movement in sculpture. From 1870 he ran a workshop providing an important foreign demand where he worked with his two sons gino and fiorenzo. His sculptures carved directly from alabaster or carrara marble (white or veined) were mainly made for export to the united states. This joan of arc was made by him or his studio probably around 1900. It is signed on the hem of the base, on the reverse (see photo), and authenticated by the auction house from which it was acquired (for more information contact me). His general condition is good; some marks of use and natural patina of time (see photos). The hair passing through the base of the neck is due to a vein in the stone, it is not a repair. Generally speaking, photos tend to make small defects more visible than natural. It rests on translucent pads that will protect the support where you will expose it. Do not hesitate to ask for additional information and photos.

Ref. : 1EKXP9QX