Vincenzo Gemito Italian, 1852-1929

Baron Oscar de Mesnil de Volkrange;
Private collection, Belgium

There is overall surface dirt notably in the deely modelled areas of the hair. 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."

Gemito's bust of Fortuny was modelled in 1874.  During the 1870s Gemito created many of his most engaging portraits, such as those of Domenico Morelli and Giuseppe Verdi.  The portrait was made in Rome where Gemito and the Spanish painter were neighbours.  Although it appears that Gemito did not make any preliminary studies from life before Fortuny's untimely death at the age of 36, he has been able, nevertheless, to create a highly engaging posthumous portrait.  The original commission was for the bust to mark Fortuny's grave on a hill in the Camposanto del Verano in Rome, where it still remains today atop a high marble column.

The present cast must have been made by Gemito during the glory years of the via Mergellina foundry in the mid-1880s specifically for Oscar du Mesnil. When compared with the versions of same model in the Gilgore collection or that which appeared in these rooms as lot 169, 9 July 2002, the differences in the casting are evident.  In the du Mesnil bust the cast is stunningly crisp, showing fine details of tool marks in individual curls of the hair and delicately delineating the modelling of the eyes. It is not, however, mechanical detail, as with many later works, and there are many areas with a subtle waxy finish.  In this the only comparable cast is that sold in Sotheby's Milan, 7 June 2006, lot 190. But perhaps an equally impressive feature of this cast is the beautiful golden patina of the face and the varied colouration of the patina in the hair.  It is in these unique features of the present cast that one truly senses the direct hand of the sculptor at the height of his powers.

RELATED LITERATURE
Temi di Vincenzo Gemito, pp.117-118, no.48;  Chiseled with a brush, p.86, no.18