Pietro Bazzanti

Overall the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is minor veining to the marble consistent with age and there are some minor naturally occurring inclusions, including in the proper left arm. There are some small chips and abrasions around the edges of the terrasse. There is dirt, particularly to the crevices, and a few marks. The base is in good condition with minor wear. There is some splitting to the wood consistent with the material. There are some minor abrasions, particularly to the top.
"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."

Mignon is the title character of a French opera, first performed in Paris in 1866. Her character is highborn but she was abducted in youth and raised within a gypsy community. A young, handsome man encounters her and buys her freedom. After various trials and tribulations, which threaten the course of true love, Mignon and her deliverer profess their devotion to one another. Mignon at last discovers the truth of her highborn identity and recovers the castle from which she was taken. A finale of happiness and harmony draws the opera to a close.

Pietro Bazzanti, in the present sculpture, represents Mignon in her plain gypsy clothing, with the instruments alluding to her livelihood with minstrels and dancers. Her hair is carved beautifully in full curls around her head. Her sleeve ruffles at her elbow and the mandolin she holds is decorated with intricate ornaments and patterns. Her apparent purity and dignity allude to her truthful identity. Her bashful gesture might indicate her inherent embarrassment in performance, or perhaps represents the moment she falls in love. Whatever the cause may be, Bazzanti skilfully evokes the innocent nature of Mignon and creates a captivating sense of narrative in this finely and sensitively carved marble sculpture.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario degli scultori Italiani dell'ottocento e del primo novecento, Turin, 2003, p. 78