Carved Alabaster Bust Appraisal

Neoclassical Style Bicolor Carved Alabaster or Marble Bust of a Noblewoman

This is a detailed portrait bust depicting a woman in 18th-century fashion, likely crafted in the late 19th or early 20th century in the Neoclassical or Romantic tradition. The sculpture is constructed using two distinct types of stone to create a striking contrast: a white, translucent material (likely alabaster or Carrara-type marble) for the head, neck, and chest, and a variegated green-grey veined stone for the ornate drapery of her square-necked gown. The figure features a tall, powdered-style ‘pouffe’ hairstyle adorned with a bow or ribbon, with long curls cascading down the sides of her neck. The craftsmanship shows significant attention to the texture of the fabric, with deep folds and a ruffled neckline. The bust is mounted on a dark, possibly slate or blackened stone socle base with a stepped profile. Regarding condition, there appears to be some minor surface soiling and a slight patina characteristic of aged stone. The face has somewhat soft features, suggesting the use of alabaster, which allows for light penetration but is prone to minor surface abrasions over time. No major fractures or repairs are immediately visible, though the join between the two stone types is a critical point for structural integrity. The style reflects the Grand Tour aesthetic popular with collectors who desired classical European-influenced decor.