Neapolitan Bald Man with Mandolin Attributed to Francesco Celebrano

Live Auction

16" (41 cm.) seated. 19" standing. Polychromed terra cotta shoulderhead of aged man with bald pate, darkened complexion, enamel eyes, sculpted ears, ruddy nose and cheeks, tow-wrapped posable armature body, carved wooden lower arms and legs with painted blue stockings, black tied leggings, brown shoes with red buckles, wearing original costume of homespun laced vest, blue lined pants, fleeced lined homespun coat with lacing closures, black felt cap, and posed seated in wooden chair (included) holding early wooden mandolin with mother-of-pearl inlay designs. Excellent condition. Neapolitan, late 1700s, attributed to Francesco Celebrano whose works were held in high esteem by Ferdenand IV; this example has exceptional modeling of facial features, and superbly sculpted fingers, rare carving of wooden boots and leggings, early costume and mandolin.