Lot 430
  • 430

ANTONIO FRILLI (D. 1902 FLORENCE)ITALIAN | Diana

Estimate
60,000 - 90,000 USD
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Description

  • Diana
  • signed lower left side of base A. Frilli Firenze
  • white marble
  • height of sculpture 61  1/2  in.; 156.21 cm.height of base 6  1/2  in.; 16.51 cm.
on octagonal green marble base

Provenance

By descent to the present owner

Condition

The piece has been beautifully carved with a variety of surface textures. There are naturally occurring inclusions in the marble. Some remains of a white polychromy exist in small crevices. The piece has been cleaned but now has some dirt and some light staining to the marble. There are some small restorations that can be easily re-done if necessary including: the crescent moon on her diadem, two reattached fingers on her proper right hand, and two reattached and partially restored fingers on her proper left hand. There is a hairline crack on her proper left thigh (seemingly stable) that has some apoxy on the surface. One loss to the tip of a lock of hair on her back. Loss to the very tip of crescent moon by her left hand. Otherwise overall minor surface abrasions and minor chipping. Wonderful quality.
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.

Catalogue Note

Antonio Frilli was first recorded as exhibiting at the Espozione Nationale di Roma in 1883. He worked primarily in marble and was active in the last two decades of the 19th century producing decorative and technically brilliant sculptures of contemporary subjects. Known for his superb skill, he belonged to a tradition of distinguished Italian sculptors that included Pietro Bazzanti, Cesare Lapini and Cesare Fantacchiotti. His successful workshop in Florence produced elegant compositions and decorative work for the international market.

In the present sculpture, Frilli demonstrates his gift as a virtuoso carver in the meticulously rendered curls in her hair, the sheer swathe of drapery covering her mid section and her supple skin. The ethereal figure of the moon goddess, Diana, stands on her toes which have begun their transformation into the roots of a tree. The crescent moon supports her while she coquettishly covers herself. The orb below the billowing clouds is emblazoned with the signs of the zodiac.