An Alabaster and Marble Bust Depicting Beatrice Cenci
Italy, circa 1890 to 1930
A finely carved alabaster and marble bust representing Beatrice Cenci, a subject widely favored by Italian sculptors in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The figure is shown wearing a distinctive headcloth or turban, a traditional artistic motif symbolizing innocence, suffering, and piety, closely associated with Cenci’s tragic narrative.
The composition reflects the enduring influence of Beatrice Cenci’s story, a Roman noblewoman executed in 1599 for the murder of her abusive father, which inspired numerous sculptors, painters, and writers during the Romantic and post Romantic periods. The sculptural treatment, marble quality, and subtle veining are consistent with Italian studio production of the period, likely originating from the Carrara region, known for its export oriented sculptural workshops.
Dimensions
Height 13.5 cm
Length 15 cm
Width 6 cm
Material
Alabaster and marble
Origin Probable
Italy, Carrara region
Condition
Overall good condition, with minor surface marks and natural marble inclusions consistent with age and material. Minor cracks present at the base on the right side, both anteriorly and posteriorly. No chipping observed. No visible restorations.