Antique Italian Alabaster Head of a Bearded Satyr – Grand Tour Era (19th Century) An antique Italian portrait head carved from gypsum alabaster. This piece was sculpted in the antiquarian manner, capturing the aesthetic of an ancient excavated classical artifact to satisfy the tastes of wealthy European travelers visiting Italy during the 1800s. The sculpture depicts a mature male mythological figure, likely a bearded satyr. The face features an intense, deep-set gaze under heavy brows, a highly stylized and blocky layered beard, and distinct small horn-like curls emerging from the forehead. Carved from soft Tuscan alabaster, the exterior surface exhibits a rich patina with accumulated dark soot and earth tones in the crevices, perfectly mimicking a centuries-old archaeological excavation piece. The flat-cut underside of the neck shows a clean break where the true nature of the stone is revealed: a pure, snowy-white mineral structure showcasing the delicate, sugary crystal sparkles characteristic of high-quality historic Italian alabaster. The flat, un-cored base indicates this piece was likely created as a standalone cabinet curiosity, a desktop display element, or part of a small Grand Tour architectural capriccio collection. Height = 8 cm Weight = 300 g The piece is in good antique condition, showing age-appropriate wear. There is gentle smoothing to the high-relief areas like the nose and beard tiers, along with scattered minor scuffs to the soft alabaster surface. No modern restorations or structural repairs are present. The underside is stable and flat, allowing the piece to rest securely. For a good impression, please watch all photos carefully. Insured shipping. Can also be collected in Ghent, Belgium.