$1,300
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Description
25" (64 cm.) Polychromed terra cotta shoulderhead with angular facial shape, enamel eyes, slightly-parted lips, teeth, sculpted ears, black sculpted hair with singular cluster of curls at center forehead, tousled curls at sides and back, closely-cropped beard with shadow stubble, tow-wrapped posable armature body, carved wooden lower arms and legs, bare legs with original cobbled leather shoes and fitted leather buttoned leggings, wearing blue/cream striped velvet gentleman’s suit, plaid velvet vest, lace trimmed shirt, silk sash and tie. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Neapolitan mid-1700s, attributed to the studio of Giuseppe Sanmartino, considered the most notable of the known 18th century sculptors whose works included presepio figures. Value Points: rare model with outstanding portraiture depicting a strong aristocratic presence.