Raffaello Romanelli

Christie's New York, 23 October 2018, lot 150

The present work depicts the Renaissance painter Raphael (Urbino 1483 - 1520 Rome) with his muse and lover who was known by her nickname La Fornarina, or 'the baker'. The famously amorous painter and his mistress were a popular subject during the 19th century, and their sumptuous garments provided a chance for the artist to display his skill in carving ornate fabrics and fine details. This carving was likely inspired by the five versions of the subject that were painted by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres between 1813 and his death in 1867.

The Galleria Romanelli was founded during the mid-nineteenth century by the sculptor Pasquale Romanelli, and it was one of many workshops in Florence that catered to the export market. Pasquale's son Raffaello later took over the studio and he continued in his family's tradition by carving the historical, classical, and genre scenes that were popular at the time.