Andrea Malfatti

Sold Sotheby's, London, 11th November 1983, lot. 280;
Private Collection, Channel Islands

Overall the condition of the marble is very good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a number of small chips and scratches including to the edges of the drapery, lace and headdress. The socle is in good condition with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, including a few chips and scratches to the edges. The marble would benefit from a professional clean.
"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."

This extraordinary bust is full of high drama and intrigue. The unmasked face of the elaborately dressed girl is petulant and almost accusatory, hinting at a narrative content which the viewer can only imagine. The intricately carved costume with the mask and domino – the hooded cloak – were the typical costume of the masquerade. The carving is a tour-de-force and quintessentially Italian in its lavish treatment of incidental detail.

Andrea Malfatti was a native of Trento and author of several monuments in that city. He contributed several works to the exhibition at the Belle Arti in Turin in 1880 and also exhibited in London in 1874 and Paris in 1888 and 1889.  

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Nuovo dizionario degli scultori italiani, Turin, 2003, vol II, p. 563