Capture the elegance of the early 20th century with this striking Sicilian Art Nouveau wood sculpture depicting the bust of a young woman. Carved from rich, dark-toned walnut wood, this piece embodies the Italian Stile Liberty aesthetic with its romantic composition and emphasis on feminine beauty. The subject is portrayed with a serene, contemplative expression and smooth features that catch the light beautifully against the deep patina of the material. Great attention has been paid to the texture and flow of the hair, which is swept back into an elaborate, wavy chignon and secured with a sculpted ribbon bow at the crown, offering visual interest from both the front and back. The bust flows seamlessly into an integrated, turned pedestal base ornamented with carved drapery swags and fluted details, adding a classical architectural element to the organic forms of the figure. Please note that this is an authentic antique piece and it displays signs of age and history, most notably a visible natural split or crack running down the right side of the neck toward the collarbone, which is clearly detailed in the listing photos. Despite this imperfection, the sculpture remains a solid and captivating work of art. This bust serves as a sophisticated decorative accent perfect for a library, mantelpiece, or collector’s cabinet, bringing a touch of historic Sicilian craftsmanship to any interior.