Lot 62
  • 62

Giovanni Battista Lombardi Italian, 1823-1880

Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Giovanni Battista Lombardi
  • Rebecca Finding her way
  • signed: G B. Lombardi / f. Roma. 1864
  • white marble, on a white marble column, with revolving mechanism (2)

Condition

The overall surface has nicotine staining which can easily be removed by a professional restorer. Estimates are available upon request. Restorations to three fingers on her right hand. There are two old restorations to base and the signature has been reinserted. Turntable still works. Once cleaned this will be a spectacular piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Lombardi's facility in the handling of large marble compositions distinguished him from his 19th-century Roman counterparts.  His skill was born of his apprenticeship as a young man in his father's marble quarry in Rezzato.  Even though Giovanni Battista Lombardi moved to Rome to expand his horizons as an artist, throughout his career much of his work was directed toward his native Brescia.  In Rome Lombardi apprenticed under Pietro Tenerari, a follower of Thorvaldsen. Eventually Lombardi established his own studio with his brother Giovita.  Giovanni was the more inventive of the siblings, whereas his brother concentrated mainly on still life and architectural sculpture, he produced fine portrait busts, commemorative sculpture and large secular and religious commissions. 

Lombardi's style is one of Romantic realism with a penchant for orientalist themes.  His talent is manifest in his naturalistic marble carving, particularly in the detailed costume and attributes of his subjects. Lombardi's most prestigious commission was the monument to the Martiri del 1849 for Vittorio Emanuele II in 1862 (Brescia).  Many of his emotionally charged female figures are derived from the old testament including Deborah, Ruth, Suzanna or as in the present marble of Rebecca.  

RELATED LITERATURE
Vicario, vol.2, pp.614-619; Panzetta, vol. 1, p.67.