19th-century Italian Marble Sculpture Depicting A Shepherdess And Her Lamb, Signed And

A 19th-century marble sculpture of great finesse and exquisite craftsmanship, depicting a young shepherdess accompanied by her lamb; it demonstrates exceptional skill and remarkable attention to detail.

The work bears a partially illegible signature—which may be read as “Antonio”—as well as the date 1874, providing a valuable historical reference for this beautiful creation.

Carved from marble with extraordinary delicacy, the composition captures the tenderness and poetic charm of rural life, a theme particularly prized in European sculpture of the second half of the 19th century.

The young shepherdess is depicted alongside her lamb, forming an intimate and harmonious composition that evokes the innocence, serenity, and idealized beauty of pastoral life.

The exceptional quality of the marble work deserves special attention, particularly in the delicate rendering of the silhouette, the meticulous modeling of the anatomy, and the refined rendering of the sculptural details.

The artist demonstrates great technical mastery in transforming solid marble into a composition of remarkable softness and naturalism.

This sculpture reflects the Romantic and Naturalist movements in 19th-century European sculpture, a period when artists frequently turned to pastoral subjects, rural traditions, and idealized depictions of everyday life.

Standing an impressive 80 cm tall, the work possesses a striking sculptural presence while retaining an intimate and graceful character.

Its refined craftsmanship and charming subject matter make it particularly well-suited for an elegant living room, an entryway, a gallery, or a significant collection of 19th-century European sculptures.

A remarkable example of 19th-century figurative marble sculpture, distinguished by its exceptional craftsmanship, a beautifully rendered pastoral subject, and an intriguing period signature.

Origin

Europe, probably Italy

Period

19th century, dated 1874

Artist

Unidentified sculptor. Signature partially illegible, possibly reading “Antonio.” Style

Romanticism / Naturalism

Materials

Carved marble

Dimensions

Height: 80 cm (31.5 in.)

Width: 40 cm (15.7 in.)

Depth: 34 cm (13.4 in.)

Signature

Partially illegible signature, possibly reading “Antonio,” accompanied by the date 1874.

Condition

Condition consistent with the work’s age. Please examine the photographs carefully for a detailed assessment of surface wear, any imperfections, and past restorations.

Keywords: Marble shepherdess, Shepherdess with Lamb, 19th-century marble sculpture, Antique Italian marble, Pastoral sculpture, Romantic sculpture, Naturalistic sculpture, Signed marble sculpture, 1874, European sculpture, Florin Antiques.