Moor’s Head, Circa 1900
Sculpture : chalk · 53 x 27 x 23 cm 20.9 x 10.6 x 9.1 inch
€3,800
3 800 €
One of the last works available by this artist
Shipping & delivery
Shipped from: Italy
Delivery to: Germany , € 190
Estimated delivery: Two to three weeks
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Verified Reviews : 9.6/10
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About the artwork
Type
Sculpture : Unique artwork
Condition
Artwork sold in perfect condition
Authenticity
Sold with certificate of Authenticity from the gallery
Invoice from the gallery
Signature
Engraved signature
Technique & Support
chalk , without pedestal
Dimensions ( cm • inch )
53 x 27 x 23 cm 20.9 x 10.6 x 9.1 inch Height x Width x Depth
Sold by
Art gallery
Credentials
Vetted seller since 2026
Description
This rare bust by Vincenzo Ragusa depicts an African man (Moor) and stands out for its intense expressiveness and the balance between academic rigor and human sensitivity. The work, modeled in patinated plaster and datable to the late 19th century, may belong to a series of ethnographic studies or realistic portraits created by Ragusa, reflecting his interest in representing the human figure without idealization, an approach also influenced by his years in Japan and his close attention to the real and observed world.
The sculpture is not only an expression of Ragusa's technical skill, but also a rare example of a respectful and deeply human representation of ethnic diversity in 19th-century Italian sculpture. The face is modeled with dignity and sensitivity, far removed from exoticizing stereotypes.
An artwork of significant artistic and anthropological interest. Signed at the base, which is an integral part of the sculpture.
Presentation
Vincenzo Ragusa (Palermo, 1841–Palermo, 1927) was a highly distinguished Sicilian sculptor and teacher, renowned for his contribution to Italian art and for his pioneering role in establishing artistic and cultural exchanges between Italy and Japan. Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts of Palermo and later in Naples, Ragusa developed a distinctly realist style characterized by meticulous attention to anatomical detail and exceptional technical precision.
In 1876, he was invited to Japan by the Meiji government to teach Western sculpture at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. During his years in Japan (1876–1882), he played a decisive role in introducing European sculptural techniques and academic methods to the country, leaving a lasting mark on the development of modern Japanese art.
Upon returning to Italy, Ragusa brought back an extensive collection of Japanese objects and artworks. In Palermo, he subsequently founded a school of applied arts inspired by Japanese artistic traditions, contributing to the cultural dialogue between East and West.
His sculpture combines rigorous academic training with a unique intercultural dimension. Today, Ragusa is regarded as a pioneering figure and a symbolic bridge between European and Japanese art. His legacy encompasses portraits, busts, public monuments, and commemorative works, many of which are preserved in museums and public spaces in both Italy and Japan.
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