Original Art Deco Italian Sculpture Signed Stylized Female Bust Lovely

Fine Art : Sculptures

 

For your consideration I am so pleased to present this lovely Art Deco influenced sculpture by G?. Della-Sbarba of Volterra, Italy. This beautiful woman has been captured in all of her vivacity! From the cut of her hair to the Egyptian influence in her attire, you can tell that she is a modern woman of the early 20th century.

Della-Sbara has been elusive even to my best research techniques and sources. I have found that it is apparently a common Italian name. I have also discovered that there was a G. Della-Sbarba who was a sculptor, and later became active in the budding Anarchist movement that was sweeping across Europe at the time. This was about the same time that Bolshevism was coming into popularity in Russia. Those are the only references that I have for you regarding the history of this lovely piece, which is signed "G. Della-Sbarba" with a couple of letters that I can't make out, and then "Volterra."

Volterra is the alabaster center of Italy, located not far from Carrera. However, alabaster is found in caves, instead of coming from the ground like marble. Because of that connection, I believe there is a high probability that the piece may be alabaster, although it definitely looks like unpolished marble to my eye. I know of no test that can be performed without damaging the sculpture. Regardless of its composition, it is just a spectacular and altogether lovely piece.

In any event, this lovely original sculpture shows why Italian pieces are so highly prized. It is executed with such grace, from the slope of her shoulder, to the drape of the bodice and details on the straps of her gown, to the curls of her hair, she is simply elegant in every way.

Please note in the photos that there is one area at the top of the back of the head that is lighter than the rest of it. I initially thought that it was damaged, but to touch it, it feels the same as the surface of the rest of the piece. I believe that it is just a coloration difference within the actual stone itself. The photos make it appear much worse than it is in person.

Size: 8 inches tall, 5.75 inches from shoulder to shoulder, the base is 3.5 by 2 inches.

Material: Alabaster or marble

Origin: Italy

Item ID: 210-07FA