Paire de bustes d'un couple Napolitain, Italie, Naples, XVIIIe siècle

Presepi e terrecotte nei musei civici di Bologna, cat. exp., Bologne, 1992.

Woman : There is a general wear and overall dirt on the painted surface, with notable losses on her proper left cheek, eyebrow, nose, lower tip and chin. There is an old slip down the back. Inside there are various old repairs with material. Man : There is a split along the back of his right shoulder which is open and has slight movement. There is general wear and overall dirt in the painted surface with notable losses in his proper left eyebrow, left and right cheeks and lower lip. The end of his nose is damaged and repaired. Otherwise the condition is fair
"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."

Dès le Moyen Age, la caricature devient un thème récurrent de la sculpture européenne. Au sein de l'église elle invite le fidèle à méditer sur les méfaits de comportements immoraux et symbolise le modèle à ne pas suivre. Elle prend par la suite une toute autre connotation dans les scènes pastorales, symbolisant la simplicité et la bonne nature du monde rural. Paysans et vagabonds peuplent alors les crêches napolitaines, connues sous le nom de presepe. Nos deux bustes dérivent certainement de ces personnages de crêche et nous pouvons les rapprocher, par exemple, des figures de popolana et contadino vendues par Christie's Milan, le 20 novembre 2002, lots 142 et 143.