Pair of Italian marble busts on pedestals by Fazzi

The large marble busts and pedestals in this pair are by the Florentine sculptor Arnaldo Fazzi. The busts depict two young women: one sitter is decked in floral and fruiting wreaths and garlands, while the other hosts two perched birds.

The sitter adorned with fruit is portrayed glancing slightly towards her left, her head a little askance. Her face is wonderfully rendered, with her lips, teeth, and eyes executed in high relief, lending her countenance a startlingly real appearance. Her hair, tied up in a pleat, is adorned with a vine garland, from which hangs bunches of grapes—all executed in high relief. She wears a dress rendered with naturalistic folds and pearl necklaces around her neck, while below is a further bunch of fruit, complete with pears and apples.

The second bust portrays a woman with her head turned ninety degrees to her right, granting her profile the effect of a cameo. Her dress is much sparer than her companion, and it slips down to reveal her breast. Her hair is worn loosely, and two birds perch on her shoulders—one of which she kisses playfully.

The busts are raised on waisted socles and are accompanied by fluted columnar pedestals. The figure with fruit is signed, situated, and dated ‘A. Fazzi / Firenze 1889’.

Bust with fruit: Height 74cm, width 45cm, depth 35cm
Bust with birds: Height 69cm, width 45cm, depth 22cm
Pedestals: Height 117cm, width 45cm, depth 45cm