What characterises late 19th-century Italian figurative sculpture?

Late 19th-century Italian figurative sculpture often features classical narrative themes, romantic imagery, and intricate drapery execution, made popular by sculptors working in workshops across Florence and Volterra.

What are the physical properties of carved alabaster?

Alabaster is a fine-grained, translucent mineral form of gypsum or calcite prized for its smooth texture and ease of carving compared to marble. It permits detailed work in drapery and facial features, displaying subtle luminescence under ambient lighting.

How can authentic 19th-century alabaster sculptures be identified?

Authentic 19th-century pieces usually exhibit subtle hand-chiselled tool marks in less visible areas, natural surface patination from age, and signatures incised directly into the base rather than modern stamped marks.

How can a large antique sculpture be incorporated into modern interiors?

A large figurative sculpture serves as a focal point when positioned on a dark wood sideboard, within an entry foyer, or atop a dedicated pedestal against a neutral backdrop.

How should antique alabaster sculptures be cleaned and maintained?

Alabaster is water-soluble and porous, so it must never be cleaned with water or liquid detergents. Dust gently using a dry, soft brush or microfibre cloth, and apply neutral microcrystalline wax periodically to protect the surface.

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Id #SA868152

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Antique Large 83cm Tall Alabaster Sculpture P. Emilio Fiaschi Circa 1890 19th C

19th century

For Sale by Regent Antiques

Description

This is a splendid antique Italian carved alabaster sculpture of a figural group titled 'The Artist's Muse' by P. Emilio Fiaschi (Italian, 1858-1941), circa 1890 in date.

This finely carved sculpture depicts a beautiful young couple modelled as a young artist in Renaissance dress holding a palette and leaning over a maiden seated in a Savonarola chair with paw feet.

The sculpture is raised on an integral base, is signed E.Fiaschi to the rear.

The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this artwork.

Condition:

In really excellent condition, with no chips, marks, or signs of damage. Please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 83 x Width 43 x Depth 50

Dimensions in inches:

Height 2 foot, 9 inches x Width 1 foot, 5 inches x Depth 1 foot, 8 inches

Emilio Fiaschi

was one of a group of highly skilled marble sculptors working in Florence in the late 19th and early 20th century. Concentrating on genre themes and the female nude during the Belle Époque period, the Fiaschi studio produced marble and alabaster editions with great consistency of quality for wealthy visitors and also exported to the rest of Europe and the USA. Fiaschi studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence between 1883 and 1885 and won a medal at an art competition in the town of Volterra (presumed to be his place of birth) in 1890.Alabaster - is a name applied to varieties of two distinct minerals, when used as a material: gypsum and calcite also known as onyx-marble, Egyptian alabaster or Oriental alabaster.

In general, but not always, ancient Alabaster in Egypt and the Near & Middle East is calcite. Alabaster in medieval Europe is gypsum. Modern Alabaster is probably calcite, but may be either. Both are easy to 'work' and as both are slightly water soluble, have been used for making a variety of indoor artworks and carvings, as they will not survive long outdoors.

The finer kinds of alabaster are employed largely as an ornamental stone, especially for ecclesiastical decoration and for the rails of staircases and halls. Alabaster is also used widely by the sculptors.

In Europe, the centre of the alabaster trade is Florence, Italy.

Our reference: A2314

Physical Dimensions

Height

83cm (32.68")

Width

43cm (16.93")

Depth

50cm (19.69")

Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Carved Italian Alabaster Sculpture to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA868152

Dealers Internal Reference

A2314

Description

This is a splendid antique Italian carved alabaster sculpture of a figural group titled 'The Artist's Muse' by P. Emilio Fiaschi (Italian, 1858-1941), circa 1890 in date.

“

This finely carved sculpture depicts a beautiful young couple modelled as a young artist in Renaissance dress holding a palette and leaning over a maiden seated in a Savonarola chair with paw feet.

Regent Antiques

fig 1. A 19th-century white carved alabaster sculpture depicting a seated female figure in drapery with a male figure standing behind her. — fig 1. Antique Large 83cm Tall Alabaster Sculpture P. Emilio Fiaschi Circa 1890 19th C

The sculpture is raised on an integral base, is signed E.Fiaschi to the rear.

The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this artwork.

Condition:

In really excellent condition, with no chips, marks, or signs of damage. Please see photos for confirmation.

fig 2. A 19th-century white carved alabaster sculpture depicting a seated female figure in drapery with a male figure standing behind her. — fig 2. Antique Large 83cm Tall Alabaster Sculpture P. Emilio Fiaschi Circa 1890 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 83 x Width 43 x Depth 50

Dimensions in inches:

Height 2 foot, 9 inches x Width 1 foot, 5 inches x Depth 1 foot, 8 inches

Emilio Fiaschi

was one of a group of highly skilled marble sculptors working in Florence in the late 19th and early 20th century. Concentrating on genre themes and the female nude during the Belle Époque period, the Fiaschi studio produced marble and alabaster editions with great consistency of quality for wealthy visitors and also exported to the rest of Europe and the USA. Fiaschi studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence between 1883 and 1885 and won a medal at an art competition in the town of Volterra (presumed to be his place of birth) in 1890.Alabaster - is a name applied to varieties of two distinct minerals, when used as a material: gypsum and calcite also known as onyx-marble, Egyptian alabaster or Oriental alabaster.

fig 3. A 19th-century white carved alabaster sculpture depicting a seated female figure in drapery with a male figure standing behind her. — fig 3. Antique Large 83cm Tall Alabaster Sculpture P. Emilio Fiaschi Circa 1890 19th C

In general, but not always, ancient Alabaster in Egypt and the Near & Middle East is calcite. Alabaster in medieval Europe is gypsum. Modern Alabaster is probably calcite, but may be either. Both are easy to 'work' and as both are slightly water soluble, have been used for making a variety of indoor artworks and carvings, as they will not survive long outdoors.

fig 4. A 19th-century white carved alabaster sculpture depicting a seated female figure in drapery with a male figure standing behind her. — fig 4. Antique Large 83cm Tall Alabaster Sculpture P. Emilio Fiaschi Circa 1890 19th C

The finer kinds of alabaster are employed largely as an ornamental stone, especially for ecclesiastical decoration and for the rails of staircases and halls. Alabaster is also used widely by the sculptors.

In Europe, the centre of the alabaster trade is Florence, Italy.

Our reference: A2314