HI Paul,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The size and quality of the carvings suggest this figural group - whether originally intended to be a lamp base or not - was part of a large group of carvings made in Italy in the late 19th and early 20th Century for wealthy tourists on Grand Tour who were looking to educate themselves by traveling in great style throughout the urban centers of Europe (and sometimes even the Middle East).

When such carvings come to market today, they can bring a range of values; those that are signed by the maker are generally more valuable than those that are not, as in this sculpture, which has a value of $1,000-1.500 based on the recent auction results of comparable pieces.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

Italian School, late 19th Century
Figural group of a seated man and standing woman, on a squared base with canted corners. Unsigned and with a well to fit a lamp
carved marble (possibly Carrera)
21 inches tall; 12-1/2 inches wide, 9 inches deep
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 1,000-1,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia