Monumental Signed Adolfo Cipriani Italian Carved Alabaster Bust with Pedestal, circa 1900

A monumental and exquisitely carved alabaster bust by Adolfo Cipriani (Italian, 1857-1941), presented on its original spiral-form pedestal. Executed around 1900, this elegant composition captures the expressive refinement and decorative romanticism of the Italian Art Nouveau period.

The female figure is shown in three-quarter profile with a serene, introspective expression. Her delicately modeled features are framed by flowing hair beneath a large, lace-edged bonnet-meticulously hand-carved with pierced fan-like motifs to suggest fine textile. Her gown is adorned with naturalistically carved sunflower blossoms, symbolizing warmth, admiration, and vitality. The surface transitions between polished and matte finishes to emphasize texture, volume, and movement. The reverse bears the incised signature A. Cipriani.

The bust is mounted on its original four-piece turned alabaster pedestal, featuring a helical twist baluster column, fluted ring base, and octagonal foot. With a top platform 11 inches in diameter and a base of 12 inches, the pedestal is well-proportioned and visually unified with the sculpture. It disassembles for ease of transport and installation.

Adolfo Cipriani, active in Florence, was known for his idealized portrait busts and genre figures in marble and alabaster. His work, rooted in academic realism, bridged the late Neoclassical tradition with the emerging curves and sentimentality of Art Nouveau. Cipriani's works were widely exhibited and collected in Europe and abroad during his lifetime and remain highly regarded for their technical virtuosity and romantic appeal.

Condition: Overall excellent, with age-appropriate wear. The bust shows minor scattered losses to high points and petal edges consistent with the softness of alabaster. The pedestal has one small loss to the underside of the collar ring, not visible when assembled and fully stable. Minor edge wear and natural stone veining throughout.

Dimensions:
Piece #1-Bust: 28" H x 18" W x 10" D
Piece #2-Pedestal: 36" H x 11" top dia x 12" base dia
Overall Height: 64"


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.

Origin:
Italy

Materials & Techniques:
Alabaster

Details:
Country of Origin: Italy
Art Subjects: Figure, Other
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.