- 89
After a model by Giambologna (1529-1608) Italian, Florence, late 16th century
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Morgante Blowing a Cornetto
- bronze, on a mottled red marble base
- After a model by Giambologna (1529-1608) Italian, Florence, late 16th century
Provenance
Sotheby's London, 13 December 1991, lot 92
Condition
Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface throughout consistent with age. There is slight wear to the patina. The marble base was added at a later date.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Morgante (c. 1535-after 1594) was the celebrated court dwarf of Cosimo I de'Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. He was portrayed numerous times by the most important artists surrounding the Medici court including Agnolo Bronzino in a painting in the Uffizi, Valerio Cioli in a large-scale sculpture at the entrance to the Boboli gardens, and in small scale bronze statuettes by Giambologna. All three artists represented the dwarf with the attributes of Silenus.
A number of variants of Giambologna's model exist. The present version with the cornetto in the standing dwarf's right hand and a stick in his left has been defined as Type Ba by Leithe-Jasper and Wengraf. There is another cast in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 65-1865).
RELATED LITERATURE
M. Leithe-Jasper and P. Wengraf, European Bronzes from the Quentin Collection, ex. cat, The Frick Collection, New York, 2004, no. 14, pp. 162-5; C. Avery and A. Radcliffe, Giambologna 1529-1608: Sculptor to the Medici, exh. cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1978, nos. 50-5, pp. 101-5
A number of variants of Giambologna's model exist. The present version with the cornetto in the standing dwarf's right hand and a stick in his left has been defined as Type Ba by Leithe-Jasper and Wengraf. There is another cast in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 65-1865).
RELATED LITERATURE
M. Leithe-Jasper and P. Wengraf, European Bronzes from the Quentin Collection, ex. cat, The Frick Collection, New York, 2004, no. 14, pp. 162-5; C. Avery and A. Radcliffe, Giambologna 1529-1608: Sculptor to the Medici, exh. cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1978, nos. 50-5, pp. 101-5