Antique Italian Dante and Beatrice Polychromed Painted Cast Metal Bookends ca. retailer 1920s

The love story of Dante and Beatrice is thought to be the inspiration for Dante Aligheiri's Devine Comedy. Dante met Beatrice at the age of 9 and instantly fell in love with her. He would meet her again years later as she was walking along the street. As she spoke to greet him in he turned and ran, her greeting filling him with such joy that he retreated to his room to think of her.

This set of bookends depicts the Italian poet, Dante Alighieri and his true love, Beatrice. A stunning set of polychrome painted cast metal with great detail of features. A more unique depiction of the two over the more common shapes and detailing. They do show some wear to the paint and Dante's bust shows some fractures to the base as noted in the photos. Beatrice has a small fine fracture on this inside lip of her base that does not carry through to the outside. In overall great antique condition showing the character retailer of their age.

There isn't a makers mark noted on the pieces.