Francesco Barzaghi Italian, 1839-1892

This marble retains its original surface however, there is overall surface dirt. There are chips to base and a light repaired break in ground by her left foot. There is a bit of orange discolouration in the leaves by her left side and around the back. There are minor scratches, pitting and veining in the marble on her back and front torso. There are two inclusions by her right eye. Minor chips throughout. There is a small fissure on her upper left arm. Minor wear consistent with having been outside for a short period of time.
"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."

Francesco Barzaghi was a key sculptor in the Scapigliatura movement in Milan.  He had a highly successful, albeit short, career as a sculptor of exhibition work, funerary memorials and monuments.  Vicaro has observed that Barzaghi knew how to contemporize the style and the taste of his age with an intelligent and robust realism."

As a sculptor, Barzaghi was amongst the most accomplished craftsman of his generation in the art of modeling for stone.  He was able to achieve exceptionally fine detail, while maintaining a vibrancy and vitality in his anatomy.  He received praise for his sensual marbles of mythological woman, which included his Amore Acceca, Silvia che si Specchia, Psyche, La Vanerell, L'Innocennza and Dea dei Fiori. A. de Gubernatis wrote that Barzaghi's "spiego specialmente il suo valore nel ritrarre in marmo le grazie femminili."

RELATED LITERATURE
Panzetta pp.36-37; Vacario pp.88-97; Mazzanotte, vol.7, pp. 13-14; Carmel & Pirovano, p.21, no. 23; de Gubernatis, unpaginated