Outstanding Neapolitan Bearded Man with Pipe Attributed... Lot 25

Outstanding Neapolitan Bearded Man with Pipe Attributed to Sanmartino 18" (46 cm.) Polychromed terra cotta shoulderhead of deeply-tanned man, his head inclined and gazing to the side, very thick sculpted unruly hair with defined locks onto his forehead, sculpted stubbly beard and moustache, enamel eyes, pronounced nose, defined chest cavity, tow-wrapped armature body, carved wooden lower arms and legs, very expressive carving of fingers, wearing original costume comprising brown wool twill suit and homespun vest each with hand-stitched lacing holes, matching pants, burlap leggings, kidskin sandals, and with glass flask in woven bottle, kidskin water bottle with wooden cap, and bone-tipped wooden pipe. Excellent condition. Neapolitan, mid-1700s, attributed to Giuseppe Sanmartino, one of the leading sculptors of 18th century Naples, his works included presepio figures such as this as well as full sculptures, silver, and statuettes.