A. Bargelli

Please note that the artist is A. Bargelli and not Giulio Bargellini as stated in the printed copy of the sale catalogue. Overall in good condition but the surface is highly dirty consistent with touching, dirt can easily be cleaned with soap and water. The base has minor scratches and chips to edges. Professional restoration to the left hand fingers of far left woman and professional restoration to left hand of female centering the group.
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.

The Three Graces-Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia-individually represent qualities revered by the ancient Greeks: splendor, mirth, and good cheer, respectively. Together, they personified grace and charm, and were expected to entertain and amuse the Olympians. According to Edith Hamilton, the role of the three sisters was simply to delight the gods of Olympus, and merriment and visual pleasure were their principle assets. "They are not treated as separate personalities, but always together, a triple incarnation of beauty and grace...they give life its bloom." (Edith Hamilton, Mythology, 1969, p. 37) It was the poet Hesiod who names the Graces in his Theogony, "then Eurynome, Ocean's fair daughter, bore to Zeus the three graces, all fair-cheeked, Aglaia, Eurphrosyne, and shapely Thalia; their alluring eyes glance from under their brows, and from their eyelids drip desire that unstrings the limbs." Still other stories claim the Graces as the maids of the love goddess Aphrodite.

In the first half of the 19th century the Neoclassical sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen created his version of The Three Graces, followed by James Pradier's own sensuous rendition. Between 1812-16 the masterful neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova created The Three Graces for the Empress Josephine and received great critical acclaim.

Not only a master carver, Pietro Bazzanti owned the gallery in Florence that bore his name. His clientele consisted mainly of amateur collectors commonly referred to as, "Grand Tourists". Known to house and employ the best sculptors of their generation, the present lot, by one of Bazzanti's  protégé  is a very fine rendition of one of the most celebrated and recognized marble figural group.