Offered by:
Robert Morrissey Antiques & Fine Art
704 Hanley Industrial Ct.
St. Louis, MO 63144 , United States
Call Seller
314.644.7066
Showrooms
Grand Tour Bronze Figure of Pudicity, c. 1890
-
Description
Grand Tour bronze figure of Pudicity, the classically draped standing female wearing a headdress, gazing serenely forward and mounted to a marble plinth, marked "NELLI/ ROMA"
This figure rotates on the marble plinth. There was a small 1" knob threaded to the base, now lost, as seen in the photo.
The Alessandro Nelli Foundry (Fonderia Nelli) operated in Rome from roughly 1880- 1900. At its peak it was the largest and most important foundry of its type in Rome, and one of the largest casting plants in Europe. In the 1889 catalogue, Pudicity was available in three sizes, of which this is the middle. (Thanks to Steve Parlanti who generously supplied catalogue images.)
The original marble sculpture, standing over 6' tall and now in the Vatican Museum, was discovered c. 1575 on the grounds of the Villa Mattei in Rome. Though little recognized today, during the 18th century Pudicity was one of the most highly celebrated female portraits in all of Rome. She was compared with the Venus de' Medici and one critic went so far as to declare her face to be the finest he 'ever saw upon a statue.' [See Francis Haskell and Nicholas Penny, "Taste and the Antique" (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1981), 300.]
Incidentally, the word "pudicity" means "modesty; chastity". It's unclear whether the name dates to Roman times or was given later. -
More Information
Documentation: Signed Origin: Italy Period: 19th Century Materials: Bronze marble Condition: Good. This figure rotates on the marble plinth. There was a small 1" knob threaded to the base, now lost, as seen in the photo. Creation Date: 19th c Styles / Movements: Traditional Dealer Reference #: 9033681 Incollect Reference #: 302996 -
Dimensions
H. 16.5 in; Diam. 5.75 in; H. 41.91 cm; Diam. 14.61 cm;
Sold
More Listings from Robert Morrissey Antiques & Fine Art View all 66 listings
-
Barn and Chickens
-
George III Mahogany Side Table, c. 1800
-
Stan Masters (1922-2005) "The Old Farmall Tractor", Watercolor on Paper
-
Chinese Export Porcelain Armorial Plate, c. 1760
-
Monumental Irish George III Mahogany Secretary Bookcase, c. 1780
-
Charles X Blue Opaline Small Vase, c. 1825
-
Italian Rococo Parquetry Chest of Drawers, c. 1760
-
Pair of George III Mahogany Wall Brackets, c. 1800
-
Set of Four Biedermeier Side Chairs, c. 1810-20
-
Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Ecuelles, c. 1750-60
-
Inlaid Parcheesi Board Mounted as a Side Table, 19th c.
-
“Weary Rider”
-
Pair of Chrome "Molecule" Lamps, c. 1970
-
Lantern in the Snow
