- 165
Vincenzo Gemito Italian, 1852-1929
bidding is closed
Description
- Vincenzo Gemito
- Testa di Licco (a Head of Licco)
- stamped: FONDERIA GEMITO NAPOLI and PROPRIETA ARTISTICA / 29
- bronze, dark brown patina
Provenance
Baron Oscar de Mesnil de Volkrange;
Private collection, Belgium
Private collection, Belgium
Condition
There is some minor surface dirt. Otherwise the condition is very good.
"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."
"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
The head of Licco is essentially the head of the Acquaiolo on which Gemito was working in 1881. The ability to work on the characterisation of the head in this large scale has allowed Gemito to develop the now familiar toothy grin and roughly dishevelled hair. The head of Licco encapsulates Gemito's direct approach to his subject and the present cast superbly translates all his vivacious handling which so impressed his contemporaries. The treatment of the hair in particular conveys all the immediacy of the hand of Gemito, rapidly scratching and pinching the surface to bring it to life. A terracotta for the head of Licco is in a private collection, Naples and the original red wax is in the Galleria d'arte Moderna, Milan.