Lot 53
  • 53

Pietro Bazzanti

Estimate
22,000 - 28,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Pietro Bazzanti
  • Courting Couple
  • signed: P Bazzanti Florence
  • white marble

Condition

Overall the condition of the marble is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a number of small reattachments and restorations, including: the top of the man's hat and the feather, the woman's little fingers, the tips of some of her remaining fingers, a section of the man's skirt on his proper right side, one of the corners of his cloak, and a lock of hair to the back of the woman's head. There are various small chips, in particular to the base. There are some naturally occurring inclusions and some minor veining, consistent with the material.
"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

Pietro Bazzanti was a central figure in the production of Florentine sculpture at the end of the 19thcentury. He is associated with the sculptors Cesare Lapini, Ferdinando Vichi and Guglielmo Pugi, all of whom executed works bearing the inscription: Galleria Bazzanti. The gallery, originally Bazzanti's studio, was inaugurated in 1822 and is still open today. The English inscription Florence, suggests the present sculpture was carved for export to England or America. Historicising romantic subjects were very popular in Italian sculpture of the late 19th century. Here a tender narrative is played out – the girl plucks a petal from a daisy, turning coyly away from her lover, whilst he gently turns her towards him to surprise her with the jewelled gift he holds behind his back. The details of Renaissance costume are lovingly recreated with bows, purses, and puffs of linen poking through slashing all carefully picked out. 

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario degli scultori italiani dell'ottocento e novecento, Turin, 2003, vol. 1, p. 78