Pietro Canonica

Overall in good condition; the surface of the female body has been cleaned and some natural hair line cracks of the marble are visible to her back left hand side; restoration to the two middle finger of left hand. the rocky simulated base with dirt.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Pietro Canonica was a musician, architect and painter as well as a sculptor and went on to become one of the most successful and distinctive Italian sculptors of his generation. He studied from 1881 at the Accademia Abertina in Turin under the sculptor Odoardo Tabacchi before setting up his own studio. Canonica's fame grew and his prodigious talents were put to use on monuments in Rome, St. Petersburg, Istanbul and Bagdad. He was also one of the most sought-after portraitists amongst the international beau-monde creating likenesses of famous artists and politicians as well as crowned heads of Europe. His portraits of the British Royal family were exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1904.

Canonica settled in Rome where he was director of the Accademia di Belle Arti. His house was transformed into the Museo Canonica after his death and a great number of his works are preserved there.