Pietro Bazzanti Italian, 1842-1881

In overall good condition and presentation. The cleaned surface shows light surface residue and dust consistent with age and handling. Some areas of fretting appear along the lower edge of the base, consistent with handling and age. There is a 1/2" repair to the tips of each of the Nymph's wings. The cherub wrapped around the Nymph's feet shows some sort of restoration to each of the wings, where they join the body, however these may be associated to the original carving of the work. One of the Nymph's fingers and two on the cherub's left hand have been previously detached, but professionally restored. The reclining cherub on the base has had restoration to the big toe on his right foot.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Pietro Bazzanti was a central figure in the production of Florentine sculpture at the end of the 19th century. He is associated with numerous talented sculptors who executed works for the gallery, including Cesare Lapini, Ferdinando Vichi and Guglielmo Pugi, all of whom executed works bearing Bazzanti Gallery inscriptions. The gallery, originally Bazzanti's studio, was inaugurated in 1822 and is still open today. The English inscription "P. Bazzanti's Gallery, Florence", suggests the present sculpture was carved for export to England or America. The title of the present work,"Love's Dream", is tenderly expressed in the depiction of the sleeping Cupid, with the beautiful Psyche gazing down upon him as a hushed putto looks on. The rose poised in Psyche's hand, and the roses on Cupid's chest, suggests Cupid may soon awaken from his dream. For a marble of a similar subject, by Professor Bargelli for the Bazzanti gallery, see Sotheby's London, 11th December 2014, lot 28 (£74,500).