Description

FINE MARBLE BUST - MARGHERITA Artist - Signed : Giuseppe Besji (some spellings include Bessi) Age : Patina would suggest 75 to 100+ years old Material : Solid, genuine, natural marble or alabaster (nothing fake or composite) This is a genuine antique hand carved out of natural stone. Description : This is a very well done, hand carved bust. Condition : This bust is in outstanding condition with original natural patina. Minor wear to base. Otherwise no other issues. This bust has been very well taken care of. Dimensions : Bust is about 8 1/4 inches tall - Base is about 8 inches wide and weighs 8 pounds. Giuseppe (Professor) Besji was an Italian sculptor famed for his lifelike busts and sculptures, such as prominent figures Ludwig van Beethoven, Joan of Arc, and Dante Alighieri’s muse Béatrice. To create his highly detailed sculptures, Besji predominantly utilized alabaster and marble and combined Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles. Born in 1857 in Volterra, Italy, he went on to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. He then returned to his hometown in 1872 to establish his workshop, and also became the director of the Art School of Volterra. During his life, Besji’s works were included in the World’s Fair in Paris, Turin, and St. Louis. His sculptures and busts are in the collections of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and the Ecomuseo dell’Alabastro in Volterra. Besji died in 1922 in Volterra, Italy. Some sellers are advertising Besji/Bessi Busts as being 18th century. This is somewhat unlikely since Giuseppe was born in 1857. (maybe they meant 1800s). Anyhow, some are selling - or have sold for one to three thousand dollars...this is a more reasonable deal on a fine antique. As you can read above, some of Professor Bessi's sculptures are in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. It is to be assumed that his works will only appreciate in value. This piece will be carefully packed and insured for shipment, plus tracking. WE COMBINE MULTIPLE PURCHASES TO SAVE YOU MONEY ON SHIPPING