18ct polychrome-painted plaster busts possibly saints or apostles

Object discription

About '18ct polychrome-painted plaster busts possibly saints or apostles'

antique polychrome-painted plaster busts, most likely religious or devotional figures, possibly saints or apostles

Made of painted plaster.
The surfaces show significant age-related wear: paint cracking, flaking, and loss—especially visible on the male figure’s beard and scalp.
Polychrome painting (multi-colored): flesh tones for skin, red and pink hues for cheeks and lips, and naturalistic hair colors.

Female bust: Hair parted in the middle, styled in a bun; solemn, calm expression. Likely meant to represent a saint, Virgin Mary, or similar religious figure.
Male bust: Bearded, gazing upward with an expressive, spiritual countenance. Could represent a prophet, apostle (like St. Peter or Paul), or an older saint.

Both busts show visible damage and aging, with chipped noses, paint flaking, and structural loss at the shoulders and back.
Each has a hole in the back of the head, possibly from previous mounting hardware, suggesting they may have been part of a larger nativity or altar scene.

Currently presented on black wooden plinths with vertical rods for display—modern additions likely for aesthetic or preservation purposes.

Height including wooden plinths 22/21cm.