Sirio Tofanari

Overall the condition of the orang-utan is very good with some minor wear to the surface consistent with age.
"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."

Sirio Tofanari was a self taught sculptor who concentrated on the depiction of rare and exotic animals. He spent some time in London and took the opportunity to study the animals at the zoo at the Natural History Museum from life. Whilst he exhibited mainly in Italy he also sent pieces as far as San Francisco in 1915. A number of his models are held in the collection of the Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Florence.

Panzetta notes Tofanari's interest in silver casting. The precious material was perfectly suited to the sculptor's self-consciously decorative oeuvre. The present model epitomises Tofanari's characteristic synthesis of art-deco stylisation with an almost scientific realism based on the observation of the animal and its mannerisms.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo Dizionario degli scultori italiana dell'ottocento e del primo novecento, vol. 2, Turin, 2003, p. 905