Description

Fine late C19th Italian carved white statuary marble figure of a bather by Pietro Bazzanti , Florence.
Large carved white marble figure of a draped bather leaning against a rocky outcrop. The subject almost certainly an interpretation of the Goddess Venus bathing , or 'after the Bath' , based upon and evoking , antique classical sculpture studies of the deity. The figure is depicted leaning against the rocks ,clutching a robe or wrap , to her left breast with her hand , whilst her right hand supports her weight on the rocks behind. The hair shown swept back and held by a band or diadem , alluding to her status as a Goddess . The face having a calm , serene expression , whilst the curvaceous body is modesty wrapped and shielded from open view by the folds of the drapery .
The workshops and studio gallery of the Italian 'Pietro Bazzanti e Figlio ' , (Pietro Bazzanti and Son ) were central in the production of Florentine sculpture throughout the mid and late nineteenth century. The gallery , originally Bazzanti's studio , was inaugurated in 1822 and is still open today . Pietro Bazzanti and the studio, later under the control of his son , Niccolo , specialised in allegorical and genre subjects, as well as copies of Antique and Renaissance sculpture. Regarded as being some of the most talented sculptors and workshops of the period , their skill of historicising romantic subjects , such as the sculpture offered here , became popular in the late nineteenth century .
Signed to the rear of the base "Bazzanti, Florence" (rather than"Firenze") , indicating that this sculpture was probably made for the English-speaking market of Britain or the U.S.A.
Raised on a naturalistically carved ovoid base , having been skilfully hewn and sculpted from a single block of pure white statuary marble.
In excellent condition with no breaks, losses or damage.
H 31"
W 13"
D 18"
Italy , Florence c.1890
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Internal Ref: ML 1701