
May one see it?
London, United Kingdom
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
This is a portrait bust in alabaster made in Italy in about 1550. The bust represents a lady in the costume of the 16th century.
Alabaster, a fine grained form of gypsum, is a smooth marble-like stone that was popular for the carving of religious sculpture. Softer than marble, it was much easier to carve and also considerably cheaper.
Victoria and Albert Museum