GIULIO TADOLINI | Bust of an Egyptian and Bust of a Moor

Overall the condition of the bronzes is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The patina is slightly varied in areas such as at the skin of the figures. The figures retain their original golden attributes. There is minor wear to the gilding. There is rubbing to some of the high points, including at the man's nose. The interior of the man's hood appears not to be patinated. There are some areas of greenish residue, including to the man's proper right cheek. The columns are associated, and the bronzes slip slightly on the surfaces.
"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."

This magnificent pair of busts were conceived by Giulio Tadolini, grandson of the celebrated student of Canova, Adamo Tadolini. For four generations, the Tadolini family occupied a renowned studio on the Via del Babuino, Rome, and they were one of the most prolific producers of sculpture for almost 150 years. Educated at the Academy of Art, in Rome, Giulio took over the studio after the death of his father in 1892. Known as well for his Orientalist themes, Tadolini followed the style of other sculptors, such as Charles Cordier and Pietro Calvi, who sensitively explored these themes, often enhancing their busts with gilt and silvered bronze. The present models were conceived circa 1880 and are described by Hufschmidt as Testa di Moro (Head of a Moor) and Testa di Egizianza (Head of an Egyptian). The beautifully conceived drapery highlighted with gilt adornments shows a clear debt to Cordier. A similar pair sold for £82,850 at Christie's on 2 July 2008, lot 98. The present busts have beautiful, possibly contemporary, marble columns.

RELATED LITERATURE
T. F. Hufschmidt, Tadolini: Adamo, Scipione, Giulio, Enrico. Quattro generazioni di scultori a Roma nei secoli XIX e XX, Rome, 1996, pp. 107, 218, 244, no. G2