Attributed to Giovanni Duprè Italian, 1817-1882

Not listed in the recent monograph on Duprè, this bust is modelled in such a modern manner that it is at first difficult to reconcile with the early classicism of Duprè's work, epitomised in his L'Innocenza (lot 73).  However the treament of the hair and physiognomy is paralleled in the plaster busts of his daugher, Amalia and his father (illustrated by Spalletti, p. 276, figs 319-20).   The gentle expression of the face also relates to the allegorical figure of Charity in the Monument to Silvestro Camerini in Padua and to the Angel in the Memorial to Caterina Corridi, Florence.  It is possible that the bronze was cast by Giovanni's daughter, Amalia, who was a sculptor in her own right.