Bronze bust of gypsy purchased at antique sale in 1951

[karbello]

I am trying to find out the value of this bronze gypsy bust. It was purchased by my mother-in-law in 1951 at an antique sale in NY state. She paid $100 at that time. She was told it was made of bronze. It is about 8 and 1/2 inches in height and 4 inches wide. Even though it is hollow, it's heavy to pick up, but it doesn't register on my scale. The artist's signature is difficult to read....it appears to start with "Benti.." then it's difficult to see if that's followed by an "n" or "ly" possibly...can't really tell. I'll include a picture of the bust and also one of the signature. Thanks for any help you can give.

[railman44]

Very nice!  Wee bit short in height from the many plaster busts made of various women but still very nice.  Nice patina.  I would do some research and find out who the artist actually is.  $100 was a lot of money back in 1951.  Depending upon the artist, you could have a rare piece.  My guess is $500 and up with $500 being a low starting poing.

[D&b antiques]

I agree with Railman. it's nice. Don't try to clean it. it has a very nice Patina. if you were to clean it. chances are you will lose at least half it's value.

[KC]

Great advice from both railman44 and D&b. 

Can you try and do a "rubbing" to bring out the name better?

[railman44]

Before doing anything to it write down all the different derivitives of the name you can think of and try this site.  To identify the artist (if listed) is free.
http://www.askart.com/AskART/index.aspx

[railman44]

Possibily  Vincenzo Bentivegna

[sapphire]

I'll play this game too, with a wild stab at Vincenzo Gemito. (Using my imagination here) 

[KC]

Okay...to put a twist on things....Donato Benti was an assistant to Michelangelo and was a famous painter and marble sculptor.  THis could be a repro of one of his works made in bronze?   

[wendy177]

I found a bronze bust of a bohemian girl after E. Villanis, Belgian circa 1900 height 21 inches  in my copyright 1975 Sotheby Parke Bernet guide to pricing antiques pg. 32 . Close to yours , necklace with 2 medalions on it. Similar head wrap  but this one has no blouse on,looking more to the side than down.  sold then for $576.00  may be a lead as to start a search.