Showrooms

Pair of bronze busts of Othello and Desdemona by Garella

Creator: Antonio Giuseppe Garella -William Shakespeare
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Pair of bronze busts of Othello and Desdemona by Garella
Italian, 1887
Male bust: height 92 cm; width 70 cm; depth 55 cm
Female bust: height 88 cm, width 60 cm; depth 40 cm
Pedestal heights: 151 cm

Of mid brown patina with gilt highlights, the figures each signed 'A. Garella' and dated '1887', and with the foundry inscription 'Flli Galli / Firenze', Desdemona also inscribed 'Propriet... F[...] Lapini'.

The two busts depicting protagonists from William Shakespeare's famous play, 'Othello'. In this, the courageous Venetian soldier Othello elopes with the beautiful Desdemona, a noblewoman many years his junior. When Othello is later tricked into believing Desdemona has been unfaithful, he murders his loving wife, only to later discover her innocence. Wracked with guilt and regret, Othello then takes his own life. This unique pair of busts depicts Othello and Desdemona as tender companions, unaware of the tragedy that will befall them.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Italy
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Ormolu, patinated bronze.
Creation Date:	1887
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	14607
Incollect Reference #:	396498

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.