Odoardo Tabacchi

Overall the condition of the marble is very good with some minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a restored break to the top end of the harp and two to the lower end. There is some minor restoration to the little toe of the proper right foot and a restored break to the little finger of the proper left hand. The plinth has a few minor chips to the edges.
"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."

Odoardo Tabacchi studied at the Brera Academy in Milan before entering the workshop of the renowned sculptor, Pietro Magni in 1860. Tabacchi went on to become a celebrated sculptor in his own right, creating many important monumental works as well as popular genre subjects and allegories.

The present marble takes Psalm 137 as its theme. The psalm begins with the words 'By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion...' It tells of the capture of Jerusalem and a time of exile for the Jewish people. Tabacchi embodies the narrative in this powerful nude.  The woman has laid down her harp, refusing to sing for her captors for 'How can we sing the songs of the Lord whilst in a foreign land?' Her brooding look and wonderfully tensed hand, with the fingers gripping into the flesh of her thigh, suggest that she may be thinking of the revenge which the psalmist hopes for: 'O Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is he who repays you for what you have done to us.'

The form and characterisation of this evocative nude recalls another work by Tabacchi, his 'Angelo' which sold at Sotheby's New York on 14th April 2008 for $250,000.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario degli scultori italiani, vol. 2, Turin, 2003, p. 899; V. Vicario, Gli scultori italiani, vol. 1, Lodi, 1994, p. 1005-1014