Italian decorator, designer, and manufacturer of Art Nouveau furniture, models of jewelry, and musical instruments (1856–1940) who was the father of automaker Ettore Bugatti. Exceptional and very rare original ink wash sketch of a figure on an off-white 5.5 x 8.5 sheet, signed in the lower left, "Bugatti Carlo." Dated in the lower right at Milan, January 1, 1886. In very good to fine condition, with light foxing and toning. In 1880, after studying at the Académie des Beaux Arts in Paris, Bugatti moved to Milan to begin his furniture business. A highly desirable piece of original artwork from an early point in his career.