A beautifully carved Italian alabaster and marble bust dating to the late 19th–early 20th century, signed Prof. Mantry. This elegant Grand Tour–era sculpture captures a young woman in serene three-quarter pose, her features softly modeled with that velvety translucence alabaster is beloved for. Her curled hair peeks from beneath a draped headscarf, and her bodice is gently incised with floral embroidery—quiet details that reveal the sculptor’s attentive hand.
The bust is fashioned from two contrasting stones:
- Fine, pale alabaster for the face, hair, and headscarf, allowing light to play through the surface with a warm inner glow.
- A richly veined, earth-toned alabaster for the garment, adding depth and natural movement to the drapery.
- A polished marble socle, grounding the composition with strength and stability.
Works like this were highly sought after during the height of the Grand Tour, when affluent travelers brought home sculptural souvenirs inspired by classical antiquity and the Italian carving tradition. While “Prof. Mantry” is not a widely documented artist, the quality of the carving speaks for itself: expressive modeling, a calm upward gaze, and beautifully executed natural stone transitions.
This is a substantial, decorative bust with tremendous presence—ideal for a console, pedestal, or library vignette. A timeless piece of continental taste and artistry.
Period: c. 1890–1910
Material: Alabaster and marble
Signature: Incised Prof. Mantry
Condition: Minor age-expected wear consistent with antique alabaster; beautifully preserved overall.
A beautifully carved Italian alabaster and marble bust dating to the late 19th–early 20th century, signed Prof. Mantry. This elegant Grand Tour–era sculpture captures a young woman in serene three-quarter pose, her features softly modeled with that velvety translucence alabaster is beloved for. Her curled hair peeks from beneath a draped headscarf, and her bodice is gently incised with floral embroidery—quiet details that reveal the sculptor’s attentive hand.
The bust is fashioned from two contrasting stones:
- Fine, pale alabaster for the face, hair, and headscarf, allowing light to play through the surface with a warm inner glow.
- A richly veined, earth-toned alabaster for the garment, adding depth and natural movement to the drapery.
- A polished marble socle, grounding the composition with strength and stability.
Works like this were highly sought after during the height of the Grand Tour, when affluent travelers brought home sculptural souvenirs inspired by classical antiquity and the Italian carving tradition. While “Prof. Mantry” is not a widely documented artist, the quality of the carving speaks for itself: expressive modeling, a calm upward gaze, and beautifully executed natural stone transitions.
This is a substantial, decorative bust with tremendous presence—ideal for a console, pedestal, or library vignette. A timeless piece of continental taste and artistry.
Period: c. 1890–1910
Material: Alabaster and marble
Signature: Incised Prof. Mantry
Condition: Minor age-expected wear consistent with antique alabaster; beautifully preserved overall.