Pietro Calvi Italian, 1833-1884

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with some minor wear to the patina. There is a slightly visible casting joint to the top of each thigh and slightly visible casting pins at the top of each wing where it joins the back and one on each shoulder. The bronze would benefit from a professional polish.
"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."

Pietro Calvi worked together with another Milanese sculptor, Constantino Corti (1824-1873), on a number of occasions.  They are responsible for some of the figures in the Milan Cathedral and works at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel. Corti is known to have made a colossal statue of  'Lucifero' which is in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Buenos Aires.  The inscription on this lot indicates that this is a smaller model of Corti's larger work. A plaster version of the model is illustrated by Sapori. Calvi exhibited in Europe and America and his sculpture was shown at the Royal Academy in London in 1872, 1879, 1880 and 1883.  His exhibit for 1879 was a marble statuette of Lucifer and it is possible that the marble relates to this bronze of the subject.

RELATED LITERATURE
Sapori, p. 150