PROFESSOR PAPINI FOR GALLERIA BAZZANTIITALIAN, 1929 | Egyptian Dancer

Overall the condition of the sculpture is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The proper right arm above the armlet is carved separately and slides in. There is a small loss to the pearls at the proper right arm, and some chips to the armlet around the joint. It is likely that the armlet, skirt and diadem were formerly inlaid with beads, which are now lost. There is a well-concealed reattachment to the proper right little finger. There is minor wear to the paintwork. There is some natural brownish veining to the alabaster, including at the proper left arm. There are a few very minor chips and abrasions around 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."

This exuberant figure of an Egyptian dancer dazzles with its combination of materials, which create a thoroughly Art Deco aesthetic. Particularly in the hairstyle and orientalist attire, the model relates to a Cleopatra by Eugenio Battiglia (Panzetta, op. cit., p. 133, fig. 148), as well as to models by Dante Zoi and Affortunato Gori. Professor Papini was among several accomplished sculptors who worked for the Florentine Bazzanti Gallery in the early 20th century.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario delgi scultori Italiani dell’ottocento e del primo novecento, Milan, 1990