Adamo Tadolini

inscribed to the reverse: Adamo Tadolini inventò e sculpi in Calvi l'anno 1855. Scipione Tadolini donò all'amico Cesare Baudana Vaccolini - Roma 3 Maggio 1895 - S. Tadolini and with further illegible pencil inscriptions and an old red paper label printed and inscribed in ink: TRINITY FINE ART / No. 471

Adamo Tadolini (1788-1868);
by descent to his son Scipione Tadolini (1822-1892);
by whom gifted to Cesare Baudana Vaccolini, 1895

G. Tadolini, Note Autobiografiche di Adamo Tadolini pubblicate dal nipote Giulio, Rome, 1900, pp. 226-227

Overall the condition of the relief is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are traces of paint to the surface in a few areas, including to the lower right corner of the relief, to the executioner's fringe, to the central Roman priest's laurels, and possibly to the Saint's head, arms and hips. There are a few traces of paint to the edges. It is possible that these areas conceal minor restorations. There is an area of restoration to the back on the right side above the inscription. There is some staining to the back. There are stable firing fissures to the back and edges.
"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."

Adamo Tadolini was Antonio Canova’s most trusted studio assistant, establishing an international reputation for himself as one of the last great Italian Neoclassical sculptors. Born in Bologna, he trained at the city’s Accademia di Belle Arte, where he received a rigorous education in the classical principles of sculpture. In 1814, he moved to Rome, winning the prize Canova had instituted for talented young sculptors. Impressed by Tadolini’s pure classicism, the master took him on as an assistant. Tadolini became so expert a marble carver that the versions he produced of his master’s models were (and still are) often thought to be originals by Canova himself; including, for example, the Cupid Reviving Psyche in the Villa Carlotta, Lake Como. As a sign of their closeness, Canova helped Tadolini to set up his own workshop in the Via dei Greci, which exists to this day.

This beautiful Neoclassical relief representing the Martyrdom of San Pancrazio (St Pancras) was made by Tadolini in 1854 whilst he was visiting Calvi, Umbria, as the Saint was the town's protector. The relief shows the Saint resisting the orders of the Emperor Diocletian to perform a sacrifice to the Roman Gods. At the very moment the Emperor orders the executioner to raise his sabre, an angel descends from Heaven with the crowning wreath of martyrdom.