A fine early 20th century Art Nouveau sculpture in white alabaster with veins, depicting a bust of a female figure who we discover to be Carmen, protagonist of Bizet's opera, from an inscription on the back. The woman is presented with a rich late 19th century dress characterized by a tight corset, puff sleeves, a rose on the chest, and elegant and extravagant lace details surrounding her from neck to hair. Dimensions: W 48 x D 28 x H 65 cm Period: Early 20th century Provenance: Italy The opera Carmen is one of the most famous compositions by Georges Bizet, first performed in Paris in 1875. The story, set in Seville, tells the tragic tale of Carmen, a free and passionate woman who works in a tobacco factory. Carmen seduces the soldier Don José, making him fall madly in love with her. Blinded by jealousy and unable to accept Carmen's freedom, José abandons his orderly life to follow her, but when she falls in love with the bullfighter Escamillo, the drama culminates in tragedy. The opera is known for its sensual music and the themes of freedom, love, and destiny. Carmen is now considered an absolute masterpiece of the world's operatic repertoire.