Featured Presumably Fake Romanesque Cast

I bought this from a seller who claimed it was a "carved stone" sculpture. When I received it, it was apparent (to me, at least) that this is not carved but rather cast from a mold, using cement or some other artificial stone compound. My suspicions were confirmed (I think) when I found this other piece (see pic 1) for comparison, from the same mold (the second piece is said to be 17th century Spain). I'm returning the item, even though the seller "stands by" his description.

My question is: does anyone have any background on these casts? Is my opinion correct? If they are antique casts I might still be interested in keeping it, but if it is a contemporary (mid 20th century or later) creation, not so much.

 

The angle and lighting makes them look a bit different--in hand, the features and style are identical.

 

I have seen quite a lot of molded Romanesque style reliefs in Provence, France. I can't remember if I saw this one, but they do make them there.
They are very nice, but not the real deal of course.

 

Thank you--you agree this is a mold, not carved or sculpted?

I see your edit now, thanks.

 

What would you put the value at? If asking about prices is against the rules, please ignore.

 

Did I edit it? Can't remember, but my memory isn't what it used to be. I did put mold in immediately, I know that much.

 

That one might be a true antique/antiquity. Although, in my research, I've found some really convincing fake stone sculptures with that "pinkish" tone, similar to the one in the first post.

 

I know! If it were genuine they would have the police on their doorstep right now. You don't want to spend time in a Spanish jail, believe me.

 

Maybe I didn't read the last sentence my first time through--that is certainly possible!

 

It isn't.

 

Thanks for pointing out the fake on ebay.

 

You can see some of the aggregate in the concrete.

 

To MY eye also, the two side by side pieces, are NOT identical!!! Very similar, yes, but by no means identical!! IMHO!!! And I DO realize each are being viewed from slightly different angles.....

 

It does look considerably different in the photo, but I've examined the piece in hand and can confirm it is from the same mold. These were probably touched up a bit on a case-by-case basis and "aged" differently, and also a different stone mix in each one.