Italian Bronze Figurine Of A Seated Woman With Grapes Appraisal

Italian Bronze Figurine of a Seated Woman with Grapes

This item is a solid bronze sculpture, confirmed by a magnet test, depicting a seated woman or girl, likely Italian in origin given the context. The figure is cast with a rich, multi-toned patination, primarily featuring a coppery-bronze hue for the skin and clothing, accented with darker, almost black, and lighter goldish-bronze highlights to define details such as drapery folds and facial features. The woman is adorned with a broad-brimmed hat, seemingly crafted from a material with a slightly iridescent or textured finish, possibly glass or a highly polished, darker bronze. Her face is partially obscured by the shadow of the hat, but discernible features include delicate eyes and a downcast gaze, suggesting contemplation or focus. Her hair appears to be styled beneath the hat in soft waves or curls. She wears a flowing garment with long sleeves, subtly textured to mimic fabric. Her bare feet are visible, resting on a naturalistic base, which is integrated into the sculpture itself, adorned with small, textured elements resembling foliage and clusters of berries or grapes. In her hands, she delicately holds a bunch of grapes, adding to the pastoral or harvest theme of the piece. The overall craftsmanship suggests a high level of detail, particularly in the rendering of the hands, feet, and the intricate details of the grapes and foliage. The sculpture displays a classic aesthetic, hinting at a late 19th to early 20th-century style, although without maker's marks, a precise age is difficult to ascertain. There are no immediately visible signs of significant damage or repairs, and the patina appears consistently aged, indicating good preservation. Some minor dust accumulation is visible in the crevices, consistent with display in a home environment.