Vincenzo Gemito

sold with a handwritten note by the artist declaring that the present bronze is: la prima fusione dalla cera originale (the first cast from the wax original) and signed and dated: 1 Guigno 1928 Gemito

Acquired directly from the artist by Mr Bellacosa, June 1928;
Dr Michele Bagnarelli, Milan, by 1953;
the present owner

Alessandro Cutolo, 'Il 'Vasaio' di Gemito', Il Mezzogiorno, Naples, 1953/1954

Overall the condition of the bronze is excellent with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few very small lacunae, including to the vase. There is some slight green on the tree stump. There is some slight residue in the hair.
"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 elegant and beautifully cast bronze is one of the most important sculptures by Gemito to come onto the market in recent years. It is sold with a note in the artist's own hand stating that this is the first cast from the original wax model he produced.

The sculpture is particularly rare because it is the prime bronze version of a model of which only two other casts are known: one in the Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Milan, and another which was sold in these rooms on 12 June 2006, lot 102. Gemito's original wax is also held in the Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Milan (de Marinis, op. cit., figs. 265-67).

Compositionally Il Vasaio, which was first conceived as a wax circa 1915, is a development of Gemito's persistent reworking of his famous Acquaiolo originally modelled over forty years earlier. This theme evolved from the svelte contemporary urchin holding a water jug whilst offering forward a drinking cup, through to the more classicising boys and girls holding amphorae in La Sorgente (circa 1908), the present Il Vasaio and the Fanciulla con anfora.

The striking features of the head of Vasaio recall Gemito's busts and reliefs of Alexander the Great, but equally relate to the colossal bust of Antinous in the Vatican Museums, Rome, which had been discovered at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli. Gemito was fascinated with the antique throughout his career.

The present bronze is further distinguished by its inscription declaring that it is the artist's own creation and design; this detail is not present in the other bronze casts and so underlines the significance of the present bronze as being the prime bronze version.

RELATED LITERATURE
B. Mantura (ed.), Temi di Vincenzo Gemito, exh. cat., Palazzo Racani Arroni, Spoleto, 1989, no. 153; M. S. de Marinis, Gemito, Rome, 1993, figs.43, 265-67