This is beautiful antique alabaster and marble bust of Iullette, a beautiful maiden, by Professore Giuseppe Bessi, circa 1900 in date. The attention to detail throughout the piece is second to none, the bust is extremely lifelike and it is signed on the reverse Prof. G. Bessi.. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 38 x Width 37 x Depth 19 Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 3 inches x Width 1 foot, 3 inches x Depth 7 inches Professore Giuseppe Bessi (1857-1922) - Bessi studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence . In 1879 he founded his own workshop in Volterra and manufactured mainly busts and statues of alabaster , marble and onyx. He also created some bronze statues and statuettes . He was one of the most important representatives of Italian Salon sculpture. In his works he combined forms of neoclassicism and Art Nouveau. He was from 1891 to 1910 director at the Art School of Volterra and taught there until his death. This facility is considered the world's only art school for Alabaster Art. It was founded, as natural alabaster has been mined and processed near Volterra since the sixth century BC. The Alabaster artworks by Bessi were exhibited in the world exhibitions in Paris, Turin and St. Louis and won many awards. His works were distributed internationally with great economic success. The sculptures were shipped to America and formed part of numerous private collections that have provided the exhibits of many museums. In addition to sculptures Bessi also designed commodities such as chess sets made ​​of alabaster and onyx and lamps. Major museums have today works by Bessi in their collections, among them, the St. Petersburg Hermitage. The largest collection of his work is in the Museum of Volterra, the Ecomuseo dell'Alabastro. In recognition of his achievements, a street was named after him in Florence. Our reference: 06607a Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse. Shipping: We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge. A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase. To request a shipping quote for the items in your cart, please click HERE. Delivery and return policy: We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply. In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item. The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition. Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses. Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.