Pasquale Romanelli (1812-1887), Italian, Florence, circa 1850

inscribed on the socle ROMANELLI FECE BARTOLINI

Overall the condition f the marble is very good. There is some minor wear to the surface consistent with age and dirt throughout, particularly in the crevices. There is some minor naturally occurring veining visible on the surface. There are a few minor nicks to the edge of the truncation.
"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."

Lorenzo Bartolini (1777-1850) was one of the most distinguished sculptors of the generation after Canova. Born in Prato, Bartolini initially trained as an alabaster sculptor, before moving to Paris where he worked under David. He was awarded numerous commissions by the Napoleonic government and subsequently gained the reputation of being a Bonapartist. Bartolini was a life long friend of Ingres, sharing the latter's interest in Renaissance art, particularly the work of Raphael. Following the fall of Napoleon, Bartolini moved to Florence, where he established himself as one of the leading sculptors of the age, catering to an increasingly international clientele and fusing the Neoclassical style with elements derived from fifteenth-century art.

The present bust was sculpted by Pasquale Romanelli, one of Bartolini's most successful students. Romanelli achieved an international reputation for his finely carved mythological, historical and monumental figures. His sons Raffaello and Romano continued his legacy which lives on to the present day; the Romanelli studio remains a rare survival in Florence.

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Berresford (ed.), 'Sognando il marmo' Cultura e commercio del marmot ra Carrara, Gran Bretagna e Impero, exh. cat., Cassa di Risparmio di Carrara, Pisa, 2009, pp. 106-7;
Lorenzo Bartolini, exh. cat., Palazzo Pretorio, Prato, 1978;
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario degli scultori Italiani dell'ottocento e del primo novecento, Torino, 2003, pp. 781, 815