Italian or French, mid 19th century

This elaborately carved figure of a Shepherdess is unique in that it is apparently directly inspired by Gilbert Soest's Portrait of a Lady as a Shepherdess in Tate Britain, London (circa 1670; inv. no. T14102). Soest's painting was acquired by the Trustees of the Tate Gallery in May 1880 from the collection of F. J. Hay. The composition and facial type of the present Shepherdess, as well as details such as the bouquet in the hair and the dress with its many folds, clearly derive from Soest's painting. It is probable that the present group was carved in the 19th century, when there was a re-emergence of interest in the 18th-century aesthetic. The present Shepherdess could easily be imagined in the world of Watteau and Boucher, seated in a landscape in a dream-like languid state, tinged with melancholy.

The present group is beautifully executed and retains its original surface polish.

The present lot is the subject of an expertise by Professor Sandro Bellesi.

We thank Dott. Maichol Clemente for sharing his insights while cataloguing this sculpture, who recognised the connection with the Tate Britain painting.

This lot has an artistic export license. Please refer to the specialist department for further information about export procedures and shipping costs.