A fine Italian Carved Bust of Beatrice by Professor Ginseppe Bessi

A Fine Italian Carved Bust of Beatrice by Professor Ginseppe Bessi, signed to the reverse, in 3 colours of alabaster and marble - Bessi (1857-1922) founded his workshop in Volterra in 1879 and exhibited widely c1890 Note Dantes Beatrice was a real woman loved by him since they were children. They both married others, and she died young aged 24. La Vita Nuova and the Divine Comedy exemplify his unrequited love for her.