Raffaello Romanelli

In good condition, very finely carved. Visible restored break to tow of proper left foot of male figure. Dirt to crevices, small chips around edge of base. The department encourages interested parties to use our online e-catalogue's zoom function to enjoy magnified and alternate views of this lot.
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.

In 1915 the San Francisco Examiner described Raffaello Romanelli as ‘to Italy what Rodin is to France’ (11 June 1915).  Professor Raffaello was the second generation of a dynasty of Florentine sculptors active from the 1820s. Like his father, Pasquale, and his son, Romano, he worked in a traditional style, making numerous public monuments as well as more commercial subject marbles and portrait busts.  At the height of his career, around the turn of the century, Raffaello had an international reputation and was regarded by many as ‘Italy’s greatest living sculptor’ (The Anglo-American Gazette, Nice, 14 March 1908). His model for the equestrian monument to Czar Alexander II of 1914 received widespread acclaim.