Neapolitan Vegetable Seller with Cast Iron Scale Attributed to Bottigliero

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18" (46 cm.) Polychromed terra cotta shoulderhead of man with dark Mediterranean complexion, sculpted draped cap enclosing his hair, deeply-set eye sockets, enamel eyes, strong nose, closed mouth, row of painted teeth, tow-wrapped armature posable body, terra cotta hands, wooden lower legs, painted black thick work shoes, wearing original workman costume of homespun material and leather vest with lacing, matching leggings, and holding a hand-cast heavy iron scale with modeled terra cotta cabbage. Excellent condition, two fingers broken. Neapolitan, early 1700s, attributed to Matteo Bottigliero, considered one of the leading sculptors, not only of presepio, but also of wood and silver statuary during that era.