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ID #SA1217957
FOR SALE
£8,000
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C. 1920, Rare, Life Size, Female Lay Figure (Italian)
White Space Antiques
for sale €9,360     $10,160
£8,000
White Space Antiques

White Space Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2026
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C. 1920, Rare, Life Size, Female Lay Figure (Italian)

1900 - 1920
Description

C. 1920, Rare, Life Size, Articulated, Female Lay Figure (Italian).

A rare and life-size wooden artist's lay figure, crafted in Italy during the early 20th century, epitomising the metaphysical aesthetic with its articulated joints and simplified anatomical structure. Traditionally used as a tool for studying human proportions and poses, this piece transcends its functional origins to become a sculptural masterpiece. Its meticulously carved limbs and torso, combined with the rich patina of aged wood, imbue it with character and artistic significance. A stunning artefact that bridges practicality and artistry, ideal for collectors or as a striking interior centrepiece.

CONDITION:

Excellent condition overall. Wear commensurate with age. All joints function. Professionally polished and waxed.

COLLECTION ONLY:

Buyer must collect, or arrange collection, from Westbury, Wiltshire.

Physical Dimensions
Height
168cm (66.14")
Declaration

White Space Antiques has dated this Articulated Wooden Lay Figure to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1217957
Description
C. 1920, Rare, Life Size, Articulated, Female Lay Figure (Italian).
“
A rare and life-size wooden artist's lay figure, crafted in Italy during the early 20th century, epitomising the metaphysical aesthetic with its articulated joints and simplified anatomical structure.
White Space Antiques

Traditionally used as a tool for studying human proportions and poses, this piece transcends its functional origins to become a sculptural masterpiece. Its meticulously carved limbs and torso, combined with the rich patina of aged wood, imbue it with character and artistic significance. A stunning artefact that bridges practicality and artistry, ideal for collectors or as a striking interior centrepiece.

fig 1. A life-size articulated female wooden lay figure depicted in a seated position with legs crossed and one hand raised.
fig 1. C. 1920, Rare, Life Size, Female Lay Figure (Italian)

CONDITION:

Excellent condition overall. Wear commensurate with age. All joints function. Professionally polished and waxed.

COLLECTION ONLY:

Buyer must collect, or arrange collection, from Westbury, Wiltshire.

Height
168cm (66.14")
Date of Manufacture

White Space Antiques has dated this Articulated Wooden Lay Figure to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1217957
White Space Antiques
White Space Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2026

Curate your white space

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the White Space Antiques Profile Page

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A life-size articulated female wooden lay figure depicted in a seated position with legs crossed and one hand raised.
1 / 5
Archive I A life-size articulated female wooden lay figure depicted in a seated position with legs crossed and one hand raised.

C. 1920, Rare, Life Size, Female Lay Figure (Italian)

Archive II A life-size articulated female wooden lay figure depicted in a seated position with legs crossed and one hand raised. View II
Archive III A life-size articulated female wooden lay figure depicted in a seated position with legs crossed and one hand raised. View III
Archive IV A life-size articulated female wooden lay figure depicted in a seated position with legs crossed and one hand raised. View IV
Archive V A life-size articulated female wooden lay figure depicted in a seated position with legs crossed and one hand raised. View V
Enlarged Archival View
White Space Antiques

White Space Antiques
Telephone 07760 835542
Location
Westbury
Wiltshire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/whitespace
Verified Since Feb 2026
Items For Sale 85
Items Sold 26
White Space Antiques
White Space Antiques
Verified Since Feb 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/whitespace
Verified
Feb 2026
For Sale
85
Sold
26
A life-size articulated female wooden lay figure depicted in a seated position with legs crossed and one hand raised.
C. 1920, Rare, Life Size, Female Lay Figure (Italian)
Ref: SA1217957
A life-size articulated female wooden lay figure depicted in a seated position with legs crossed and one hand raised.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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FAQs

A lay figure is a life-sized or scaled jointed mannequin used by artists, painters, and sculptors to study human anatomy, posture, and the drape of clothing without requiring a live model.

Traditional lay figures were constructed using hard woods such as beech, walnut, or pine, with internal brass, iron, or wooden ball-and-socket joints to allow realistic articulation.

Authentic early 20th-century pieces feature hand-carved anatomical details, period-appropriate joinery such as brass pins or wooden socket joints, natural age-related patination, and smooth wear around movable parts.

Designers often treat life-size lay figures as sculptural artwork, placing them seated in armchairs, standing in empty corners, or featured within eclectic gallery spaces to add architectural interest.

Preserve the finish by dusting with a soft, dry lint-free cloth and applying microcrystalline wax sparingly to maintain moisture while keeping the item out of direct sunlight and away from central heating sources.
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