Luca Madrassi

Overall the condition of the marble is good with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The marble would benefit from a light cleaning. There is some veining consistent with the material, including a vein running vertically across the left side of the mandolin. There are a few naturally incurring inclusions, including to the proper right shoulder and to the proper left forearm. There are a few small dirt marks, including to the proper right arm at the back and a few stains to the tree trunk near the signature.
"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."

The sculptor, Luca Madrassi, was born in Italy in 1848. He moved to Paris to study at the École des Beaux Arts, where he was formed by Pierre-Jules Cavelier. He quickly settled in France and took French citizenship.  In joining Carrier-Belleuse’s studio he was exposed to finely conceived compositions of mythological and poetic female figures, which would later be echoed in his oeuvre. He regularly exhibited at the Paris Salon between 1879 and 1914 and other international exhibitions in London and Liège at the end of the nineteenth century.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario degliscultore Italiani dell’ottocento e del primo novecento, Turin, 2003, vols. I and II, p. 560