Sculpture, Busto Anima dannata - 43 cm - Earthenware

Baroque male bust in patinated terracotta – Roman milieu

Important patinated terracotta male bust, characterized by extraordinary expressive intensity and by a strongly theatrical modeling.

The figure presents a face contracted in a powerful expression of pain, fury, or astonishment: deeply furrowed brow, sunken eyes, mouth gaping, and hair arranged in broad, flowing locks that are sculpturally salient. Taken together, it fully conveys the dramatic taste of Roman Baroque sculpture of the 17th century.

For stylistic features and quality of modeling, the work can be traced to the Roman milieu of the second half of the 17th century, in a Berninian area, although it is not accompanied by documentary attribution that would allow referring it with certainty to a specific workshop or author.

Particularly interesting is the contrast between the strong definition of the face and hair and the rougher workmanship of the back and lower part, a feature compatible with the original function as a model, sculpture for collection, or element intended for a predominantly frontal viewing.

The piece comes from an Italian private collection and, according to the provenance handed down, belonged to the collection of a priest born at the end of the 19th century, a collector of art and antique objects.

Material: patinated terracotta
Area: Rome, Berninian milieu
Dimensions: height 43 cm, width 23 cm, depth 20 cm
Provenance: Italian private collection

The surface shows wear, irregularities, signs of time, and ancient interventions consistent with the age and nature of the piece. The photographs are an integral part of the description.

A work with strong stage presence, particularly suitable for a collection of ancient sculpture, Baroque art, or Wunderkammer.