Beschreibung:

A SOUTH ITALIAN ALABASTER BUST OF A ROMAN EMPEROR POSSIBLY 17TH CENTURY Believed to be a portrait of Constantine The Great (C.272-337 AD), with carved breast plate, on a Siena marble socle 36cm high Provenance: The Simon Neal Collection The combination of the classical subject matter, yet the slightly distorted, non-classical proportions and the polychrome marble and alabaster material it is made from, suggests a 17th century date for this Italian bust. The style of carving suggests the work may have been executed in one of Italy's southern provincial centres of baroque artistic production, such as Sicily. In the early 17th century, the island became associated with coloured marbles, after numerous agates and jaspers were found there, as well as richly coloured and lively patterned marbles that took a very high polish. It is believed the word 'Baroque' derived from the French translation of the Portuguese word 'borrocco' - meaning misshapen pearl - which indeed appears to be an appropriate description of the character of this bust. The subject of the work is a Roman emperor, the closest likeness perhaps being provided by portraits of Constantine the Great (c.272 - 337 AD), who was proclaimed emperor in 306 AD, in the English city of York. His recognition of his Christian subjects and his own conversion to the Faith, laid the religious foundations of Western Christendom. Condition Report: Marks, knocks, scratches and abrasions consistent with age. Some small chips, knocks and losses in places throughout - see images. Some old cracks. The laurels appear to have the remnants of a dark painted surface. The pedestal with some filler applied in places. Adhesive visible between the neck and the body. This has age but is likely later. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer