Leonardo Bistolfi [ 1859-1933]
Italian
Female bust, 1890
Hand-carved marble
12 x 9 x 12 inches
Monogrammed.

CONDITION:
Original untouched condition.

DESCRIPTION:
It is often said that Michelangelo’s drawings of women looked more like men with strangely shaped appended breasts. But, this critique can be even more true for sculptors. In this unattributed American Art Nouveau work, it is possible the artist’s own likeness has melted into the female portrait featuring a prominent nose and chin. Art Nouveau is known for its flower-like pretty and delicate women, making this particular sculpture even more radical and modern.

PROVENANCE:
2019 ( David Smernoff, New Haven, CT and New York, NY ) ;
before 2019 Private collection of [withheld], New Haven, CT ;
1880 [unattributed], the artist .

EXHIBITION:
2021 David Smernoff, New Haven, CT and New York, NY “Radically traditionally modern : the rise of Art Nouveau an exhibition designed by JON x NY”, January 18 – February 14.