- 90
Pietro Canonica
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Pietro Canonica
- Testa di Cristo (Bust of Christ)
- signed: P.Canonica
- white marble, on a veined green and brown marble base
Condition
Overall the condition of the marble is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some areas of naturally occurring inclusions, in particular to the proper left shoulder and to the back. There are a few chips and abrasions to the overhanging proper right arm and to the back where it overhangs. There are abrasions to the proper right shoulder. There are chips to the edges and corners of the base, in particular to the back corners. There are also some scratches to the base, particularly at the front to the viewer's right side. There is veining to the base consistent with material. There are stains to the top of Christ's head on the proper right side, to the hair laying against the face on the proper left side, and to the beard.
"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
Pietro Canonica was one of the most successful and distinctive Italian sculptors of his generation. His preeminent skills were put to use on monuments in Rome, St. Petersburg, Istanbul and Bagdad and his series of portraits of members of the British Royal family were exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1904.
Among his most successful works are his religious subjects. It is in these that Canonica’s characteristic sensitivity and sense of sorrow are most deeply felt. The carving of the present sculpture is delicate. Lacking hard lines, the bust suggests suppleness of structure beneath the skin. Christ’s raised shoulder, lowered eyelids and slightly open mouth are small indications of his suffering. The subtlety of the carving results in an impression of dignity and restraint.
Canonica exhibited Testa di Cristo in Naples in 1922 and a version is held in the collection of the Galleria d’Arte, Moderna. During his distinguished career, he was elected Accademico d’Italia and a member of the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca; in 1950 he was made a Senator for life for his outstanding artistic achievements.
Among his most successful works are his religious subjects. It is in these that Canonica’s characteristic sensitivity and sense of sorrow are most deeply felt. The carving of the present sculpture is delicate. Lacking hard lines, the bust suggests suppleness of structure beneath the skin. Christ’s raised shoulder, lowered eyelids and slightly open mouth are small indications of his suffering. The subtlety of the carving results in an impression of dignity and restraint.
Canonica exhibited Testa di Cristo in Naples in 1922 and a version is held in the collection of the Galleria d’Arte, Moderna. During his distinguished career, he was elected Accademico d’Italia and a member of the Accademia Nazionale di San Luca; in 1950 he was made a Senator for life for his outstanding artistic achievements.
RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario degli scultori italiani dell'ottocento e del primo novecento, Turin, 2003, vol. 1, p. 197