Vittorio Caradossi

Overall in very good condition and presentation. The marble, with its original skin, is smooth and with only a few foreign stains and light surface dirt. There are a few very small and minor old chips to edges. There are restored breaks with subsequent overpaint to the lower figure's big toe on her right foot and index finger on her left hand. One of the projecting stars on the base has a small repaired break to one corner.
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.

Vittorio Caradossi was born in Florence and studied sculpture under Augusto Rivalta at the Accademia di Belle Arti. His genre epitomizes fin-de-siècle Tuscan sculpture. Technically superb, most of his oeuvre is dominated by highly-decorative groups and single nude figures in various symbolic or allegorical guises. In works such as Tre Nereidi (Three Mermaids), Il Fumo che sale verso le Nubi (Smoke Sweeping up to the Clouds), and the present lot Shooting Stars, Caradossi was clearly catering to a strong demand from an international clientele for elaborate and sensual compositions.

The two sinuous intertwined nude females spiraling towards the stars, carved from a single block of marble, heighten Caradossi's technical virtuosity.