Carlo Nicoli

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with some dirt and minor wear to the surface consistent with age. There are several very small naturally occurring inclusions to the marble with some dirt, including to the nose, to the chest near the proper left shoulder, and to the back of the neck. There are a few further inclusions with white fill, notably to the neck and bosom on the proper right side. There are several other minor dirt marks, including splashes of white paint to the cloak around the proper left shoulder. There is a vein or hairline fissure to the marble at the back of the neck. The end section of the hair drapery at the back appears to have been reattached, with an only slightly visible joint. There are some chips and abrasions to the edges and corners of the socle, and in particular to the bottom edge.
"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."

Carlo Nicoli was one of the most successful artists working in Florence and Carrara during the mid- to late 19th century. Born in Carrara, Nicoli went on to carve out an international career for himself, creating sculptures for as far afield as Britain, Australia, South Africa, Mexico and Argentina. For his Watchful Angel or Innocence of 1870 Nicoli received a medal from King Alfonso XIII of Spain. A major work by Nicoli in the United Kingdom is his marble statue of Queen Victoria in Brighton, executed in 1897. Nicoli was clearly a popular sculptor among royal sitters; a bust of Princess Elena of Montenegro has been recorded in the collection of the Quirinale in Rome. Carlo Nicoli's workshop survives to this day in Carrara and has UNESCO recognition.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario degli scultori Italiani dell’ottocento e del primo novecento da Antonio Canova ad Arturo Martini, Turin, 2003, pp. 651, 658-659; S. Berresford, “Sognando il marmo” Cultura e commercio del maro tra Carrara, Gran Bretagna e Impero, Pisa, 2009, pp. 98-99