C. 1900, Bronze Bust of Dante Alighieri on Marble Base (Italian).
 
This characterful bust depicts Dante as he is often portrayed in artistic works, wearing a cloak to his shoulders and cap to his head decorated with a laurel wreath, symbolising his prominent status as a poet. Elevated by a rustic marble base, this antique bust is a spectacular decorative piece for an interior, making a striking statement in any setting.
 
Inscribed: DANTES
 
CONDITION:
 
Wear commensurate with age. Stunning patina. Slight dent on rear (as shown).
 
PROVENANCE:
 
Purchased from a second generation Italian family, living in Amsterdam.
 
ABOUT DANTE ALIGHIERI:

Dante Alighieri (1265 - 1321) (Italian: [ˈdante aliˈɡjɛːri]; most likely baptized Durante di Alighiero degli Alighieri;, widely known mononymously as Dante, was an Italian poet, writer, and philosopher. His Divine Comedy, originally called Comedìa (modern Italian: Commedia) and later christened Divina by Giovanni Boccaccio, is widely considered one of the most important poems of the Middle Ages and the greatest literary work in the Italian language.