Bust of a Woman

myminifactory

This marble bust of a woman is taken from a plaster cast created by an Italian firm based in Milan. Originally crafted by an unknown sculptor in Ravello, Southern Italy, the bust remains unidentified. Until 1973 it sat atop the parapet of a staircase leading to the pulpit signed by Nicola di Bartolomeo da Foggia, dated 1272, in the Cathedral at Ravello. A notable inscription records that the pulpit was commissioned by Nicolo Rufolo and his wife, Sigligaita, a wealthy merchant couple from Ravello. The head is documented on the pulpit from 1540, and it was believed to represent the Virgin at that time. In recent years attempts have been made to associate this regal head with Sigligaita herself. Nonetheless, no concrete evidence exists to confirm that the bust now housed in the Museo del Duomo was originally designed for Nicolo di Bartolomeo da Foggia's pulpit, leaving its identity unresolved. The plaster cast is courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.