Emilio Greco

Dominion Gallery, Montreal
Louis Marron, Palm Beach
Private Collection (by descent from the above and sold by the estate: Sotheby's, New York, May 11, 2000, lot 315)
Private Collection, Palm Beach (acquired at the above sale)

The work is affixed to a steel plate under the base. Bearing a reddish brown and green patina with scattered spots of oxidization likely due to outdoor installation. These could likely be addressed with a light cleaning. There is some minor surface dirt, otherwise the work is in good condition.
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.

Born in Sicily in 1913 Emilio Greco, was employed in a marble cutters shop by the age of 10. He was highly influenced at a young age by Etruscan and Roman sculpture and carried this with him throughout his illustrious career. Bagnante (Chiara) is a stunning example of his over-life sized depictions of the female form. "Greco is predominantly the sculptor of the female face and shape. To represent womanhood, that is his calling and his task. The grace, the delight, the beauty, even the power of womanhood. Neither Marini nor Manzù can compete with him this respect....Greco is...completely absorbed in the womanhood as if the myth of the Great Mother, the Lady of Elche, the White Goddess, had come alive in him again. He represents youth, virtue and sensuality.... The representation of women and girls do not appear in Greco's work in the same style as the male portraits and figures. The Greek and Gothic impact is felt immediately....According to Henry Moore "Greco is not only sensual and elegant. He has a feeling for beauty, and also a natural sens, a gift for form and volume—a rare combination" (J.P. Holdin, Emilio Greco Sculpture & Drawings, Bath, 1971, pp. 21-23).