Lot 4
  • 4

Pietro Franchi After Charles-Auguste Fraikin (1817-1893)

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Pietro Franchi
  • Venus and Cupid
  • signed indistinctly: P.Fran...hi Si Carrara
  • white marble on a veined white marble column with a revolving top
  • After Charles-Auguste Fraikin (1817-1893)

Condition

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is some natural veining to the surface.The big toe and tips of the second and third toes have been replaced. Three fingers of Venus's raised hand have been re-attached. There are some minor surface scratches to her proper left thigh.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Charles-Auguste Fraikin studied at the Brussels Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts under Louis Jéhotte. His masterpiece L'Amour Captif won the gold medal at the Exposition Nationale des Beaux -Arts, Brussels in 1845. It was subsequently exhibited in London (1851) and Dublin (1853). Two marble versions were ordered for the Musée Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels and the Hermitage, St Petersburg. The lissom L'Amour Captif exemplifies Fraikin's graceful interpretation of Neo-classicism. The model proved to be extremely popular and was copied by sculptors across Europe.

Pietro Franchi worked in Carrara around 1870 and specialised in creating marble copies of famous contemporary statues.

RELATED LITERATURE
van Lennep, p.175