Bust, LO SCUGNIZZO - 20 cm - Patinated bronze

Antique Bust of the "Scugnizzo" in Bronze – Giovanni De Martino, Neapolitan School, early 1900s
Description of the Work
For sale a refined patinated bronze bust, iconic work by the Neapolitan sculptor Giovanni De Martino (1870-1935), an artist internationally celebrated for his ability to capture the soul and innocence of street children in early-century Naples.
The sculpture depicts a "scugnizzo" with a barely hinted smile and a lively gaze, topped by a distinctive soft hat shaped with extreme realism. Every detail, from the strands of hair protruding from beneath the hat to the texture of the shirt, testifies to the exceptional technical mastery of the author in shaping the bronze.
The piece rests on a solid veined marble base, which elongates the figure and enhances the metallic luster, making it a piece of high-class décor and a sure artistic investment.
Technical Details
Author: Attributed to Giovanni De Martino (engraved signature present, usually on the back or side).
Subject: Neapolitan scugnizzo / Young shepherd boy.
Material: Lost-wax bronze with original brown patina.
Base: Precious marble.
Era: Early XX Century (Art Nouveau / Neapolitan Realism).
Condition: Excellent. The bronze bears a splendid patina of time that attests to its authenticity and historical value.
Why buy it?
De Martino’s works are exhibited in the world's leading museums and sought after at auctions globally. This bust is not just a sculpture, but a fragment of Italian history capable of imparting character and prestige to any environment, from the classical study to the modern living room.