Chicago, IL
Details
Description
This late 19th-century carved wooden sculpture is a lifesize depiction of a young nobleman of the Italian Renaissance. The piece …
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This late 19th-century carved wooden sculpture is a lifesize depiction of a young nobleman of the Italian Renaissance. The piece is made entirely from wood and carved gesso under an ebonized finish, giving it the illusion of an oxidized bronze sculpture. The young man is posed in a classic Contrapposto stance, which is an Italian term that means "counterpoise". This term usually refers to a standing human figure carrying its weight on one leg so that the opposite hip rises to produce a relaxed curve in the body, a dynamic pose that is most associated with Renaissance art. He establishes his stance with a hand on his large belt and one hand in the air holding a torch. This Renaissance revival piece is highly detailed through intricate workmanship, down to the Lion of Saint Mark on the young boy's chest.
The Lion of Saint Mark, representing Saint Mark the patron saint of Venice, was typically represented as a winged lion with a halo holding onto a bible. This representation refers to Mark's description of John the Baptist as "...The voice of the one who cries in the wilderness: Prepare Ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths", which artists compared to a roaring lion. This emblem is a symbol of the city of Venice and is prominently featured in Venetian iconography and heraldry.
This statue is a beautiful rendering and revival of a Renaissance figure. The top of the young man's torch was left as is but could be used to prop up a plant with long vines or rewired to hold a flame glass shade as a lamp. This gorgeous sculpture would be a true statement for any home, inviting its viewer to get lost in the details.
Overall H=94 in. W=25 in. D=23 in. 140 lbs.
Sculpture: H=73 in. D=16 in. W=25 in. 80 lbs.
Base: H=21 in. W=23 in. D=23 in. 50 lbs.
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- Dimensions
- 25ʺW × 23ʺD × 94ʺH
- Styles
- Renaissance Revival
- Art Subjects
- Other
- Period
- Late 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- Italy
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Plaster
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Ebony
- Condition Notes
- This sculpture exhibits wear to the plaster beneath the ebonized finish, caused by wood separation. There are visible cracks, chips, … moreThis sculpture exhibits wear to the plaster beneath the ebonized finish, caused by wood separation. There are visible cracks, chips, and nicks throughout. Professional repairs have been expertly executed on the belt and base, as shown in the close-up images. The base's underside features later-added wooden braces for additional support. The piece has been recently waxed to preserve its finish. The top figure includes a peg at its bottom center, designed to fit into a corresponding hole in the base's center. To prevent damage to the peg, the figure should be lifted before repositioning. Once aligned, the peg is inserted into the hole at the base's bottom, securing the two components together. For transport, the figure separates from the base: Sculpture: H=73 in., D=16 in., W=25 in., 80 lbs. Base: H=21 in., W=23 in., D=23 in., 50 lbs. less
Chicago, IL
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