A patinated bronze-figural fountainhead Italy, circa 1914

signed Gpe. Martini / Napoli 1914

E.L. King and Grace Wadkins, Daytona Beach, Florida, acquired circa 1917

E. Bénézit, Dictionnaire ctitique et documentaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Graveurs, Librairie Gründ, 1976, p. 224

Overall in fair condition with traces of oxidation consistent with exposure to water and atmospheric conditions. There are a few minor holes from casting and corrosion on the rocky base. There is a circular hole approx. 1/4 in. diameter in front of the crab beneath the boy's left hand.
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.

Departing from the Neoclassical fashion dominating sculpture in the early 19th century, Francois Rude presented a version of a young Pescatore at the 1831 Paris Salon. The success of Rude's fisherboy inspired many other sculptors, mostly Italian, like Gemito, Torelli, Scheggi, and D'Orsi to name a few.  All played with the human body as it exists before our eyes, capturing various poses from seated or kneeling, to full-length standing portraits. They often rendered young boys gathering shellfish and crabs as seen in this lot by Martini, a recurring composition often known as Neapolitan Fisherboys.