Unusual secretary hardware fittings

I'll include some pics of this secretary that I picked up this weekend. It is structurally complete, except for the missing hinged upper section doors.
I was told that the builder was of foreign origin... but nothing more specific. I find the combination of woods interesting, as well as the skillful yet almost rustic construction.
I'm really curious as to what the carved drawer pulls represent, as well as the identity of the bronze woman's face on the lower door.
The top section drawers have no signs of pulls ever having been installed - but there are small, rather crude nails still in place; which makes me think that perhaps there were soft-material (perhaps leather?) pulls originally nailed on (which have subsequently fallen off?).
One last interesting bit... the drawers are numbered with pencil, on the rear board, toward the bottom of the drawer (such that only the builder could have done it). The numeral 4 is written in three distinct strokes (almost resembling a capital "H"), in a fashion I've not seen before. I know that sometimes handwriting styles can be regional/cultural; so that may also be informative.

Any opinions about this piece and the details?

Thank you!
Chillspine