Petite 19th-Century Carrara Marble Bust of a Cherubic Child -15¾"

This petite 19th-century portrait bust of a child, carved from fine Carrara marble, subtly recalls the serene beauty of a classical cherub while remaining grounded in naturalistic portraiture. The softly modeled curls, rounded cheeks, and tranquil, introspective expression suggest an individual sitter rather than an allegorical figure, yet the purity of form and calm presence evoke the timeless innocence traditionally associated with cherubic imagery. The bust rests on an elegant, turned gray marble socle, its gentle veining providing a measured contrast to the luminous white marble above. The marble shows light speckling and subtle discoloration, gentle age marks that add warmth and depth to the surface and affirm the sculpture’s antique presence. Minor scuffs to the base are consistent with age.

Graceful in scale and quietly expressive, this bust brings a calm, classical presence to an interior. It displays beautifully on a mantel, console, or bookshelf, and is equally well suited to a bedroom or nursery, where its serene, cherub-like character lends a sense of softness and repose.