C. 1900, Westel Allgayer & Co, Bronze Bust of Dante Alighieri (Austrian).
 
Originating from late 19th/early 20th century Italy, 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: REAL VIENNA BRONZE with the Westel Allgayer & Co. stamp.
 
CONDITION:
 
Wear commensurate with age. Very minor chip to rear of marble base.
 
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.