Italy, Republic. A Silver Bust of a Woman by Vincenzo Gemito, c.1915

Italy, Republic. A Silver Bust of a Woman by Vincenzo Gemito, c.1915

(Estate, Art, Sculpture). Antique. A silver bust of a woman's head. The woman is partially smiling and her hair is loosely pulled back into a bun. The bust is on a pedestal. The statue is of a two piece hollow construction and is marked on the back with “GEMITO” “800” and “GEMITO NAPOLI”. Measuring 118mm (base) x 205mm (h) and weighing 1.530 kg. In very fine condition.

Footnote: Vincenzo Gemito was an Italian sculptor and artist born on July 16, 1852. He worked in various studios of well-known artists around Naples, Rome and Paris, but is considered to be self-taught. His work focused on realism rather than sentiment. His work was exhibited at several galleries and exhibitions including the 1924 Summer Olympics art competition, Museo di Capodimonte, the Universal Exposition of 1878 and the Paris Salon. In his later years, he suffered a mental breakdown and spent 21 years in recluse. He would later emerge and started sculpting in gold and silver. He died on March 1, 1929.