SCIPIONE TADOLINI | Greek Slave

Overall the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a loss to the proper right index finger. There is some natural veining to the marble, consistent with the material, notably at the abdomen on the proper left side, the proper right arm and hip, and around the buttocks. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions, including to the abdomen on the proper left side, the proper left arms, and the legs. There are a few slight (pencil?) marks to the proper left hip. There are a few very small chips to the bottom edge.
"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 elegantly conceived model of a Greek Slave is one of Scipione Tadolini's defining masterpieces. Tadolini was the eldest son and inheritor of Antonio Canova's principal studio assistant, Adamo Tadolini, and, like his father, he rapidly emerged as one of the leading sculptors in Rome during his lifetime. Though influenced by the celebrated tradition of idealised statuary established by Canova, the father of Neoclassicism, the touching portrayal of a beautiful young girl enslaved, together with her orientalist guise, looks forward to the Romantic movement in 19th-century sculpture.

The present marble follows one of two variants of the model created by Tadolini, the principal difference between them being the fact that, in the present composition, the young woman raises her right arm to the level of her chest; in the second variant, the slave touches her chin with her right hand. The present model is likely to be the earlier of the two variants, and this is a finely executed reduction. A life-size version of the model sold in these rooms on 8 July 2015 as lot 43 (£245,000).