Maria Elisa Pistrucci

London, Sir John Soane's Museum, Pistrucci's Capriccio. A Rediscovered Masterpiece of Regency Sculpture, 2006, no. 14;
Waddesdon, Waddesdon Manor, Pistrucci's Capriccio. A Rediscovered Masterpiece of Regency Sculpture, 2006, no. 14

C. Milano and M. Trusted (eds.), Pistrucci's Capriccio. A Rediscovered Masterpiece of Regency Sculpture, exh. cat. Sir John Soane's Museum, London, and Waddesdon Manor, Waddesdon, 2006, pp. 15, 21, no. 14

Overall the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is veining to the marble, consistent with the material, in particular to Flora's cheekbone and Ceres' nose. There are a few very minor chips and abrasions to the hair of both figures, and surface dirt in these areas. There are one or two very minor naturally occurring inclusions. There is a small hole to the side. There are some small specs of dirt, including to the ground behind Ceres' head and to the edges.
"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."

This rare and superb double-sided marble medallion was carved by Maria Elisa Pistrucci, daughter of the virtuoso gem-cutter and Chief Medallist at the Royal Mint, Benedetto Pistrucci (1784-1855). The present relief can be described as a homage to Maria Elisa's father, as the head of Flora is an almost exact copy of the head appearing on his extraordinary and recently rediscovered Capriccio, carved in 1829. The head of Ceres derives from a wax by her father in the Museo della Zecca, Rome (Milano and Trusted, op. cit., no. 14, p. 21).