Vaerenbergh Bust

Q: I have had this Art Nouveau bust of a young woman with a laurel-leaf crown for more than 30 years. It's marble on top with a metal base that forms the bodice of the dress. The bust is 18 inches high and 15 1/2 inches wide. It says "Ere Nouvelle" on the front and is signed "G.V. Vaerenbergh" on the back. I'd like to know something about the artist and the value of this piece.

A: Gustave Van Vaerenbergh (1873-1927) was a Belgian sculptor. He began his career as a plaster caster and started sculpting in 1907. He opened his own shop in 1925. The French words "Ere Nouvelle" mean "New Era." Your classical sculpture is made of alabaster and gilded bronze. It's worth about $2,000.