Alabaster sculpture from the late 19th - early 20th century of a "writing putto." period: late 19th / early 20th century dimensions: l 18 x w 18 x h 52 cm origin: italy this subject is widely depicted by italian sculptors, imitating antonio canova, who depicted a rounded putto seated on a block of masonry, likely an ancient classical ruin, intent on writing. Looking more closely, we see that the artist paid homage to the great neoclassical sculptor, as the putto, on his heavy tablet, is writing in large, blocky letters: canova. on the back is the signature: "c. Ghilli."