Giacomo Manzù

Private Collection, Europe (a gift from the artist)
Thence by descent to the present owner

Pink Portuguese marble with natural veins. Some minor marks inherent with polishing. One minor puncture to the bottom of the armchair. Otherwise good condition.
"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 extraordinary and unique Portuguese pink marble sculpture is the manifestation of Manzù’s inexhaustible desire to explore the human form. A young female figure is depicted resting on an armchair, caught in a moment of quiet reflection and serenity. The Ancient Greek city of Thebes is evoked in the title, thus playing on the theme of an idealised past and offering this form as an homage to this birthplace of numerous mythological figures including Dionysius. The artist further hints to his interest in Classical motifs through his use of a timeless medium, which he has chiselled and smoothed to suggest this sensuous and elegant figure which is seemingly born from the block. Tebe speaks of delicacy and eternity, so striking is it in its precise execution and profound expression of romanticism. This sculpture was highly regarded by the art critic and historian Cesare Brandi, a close friend of the artist, to whom he dedicated a poetry essay in 1983. Brandi defines Tebe in poltrona as one of the artist’s most significant artistic trials, one of the ‘greatest artistic achievements of Manzù’s œuvre’.