Il Primo Amigo

The present marble can confidently be attributed to Francesco Barzaghi (d. 1892), whose sculptures at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia were extraordinarily described as ‘pure and elevating’, and the present work is no less a testament to the artist’s prowess as a virtuoso sculptor. Known for his adept and exceptionally realistic carving of drapery, jewellery and other finite details, Barzaghi was a frequent exhibitor at the international exhibitions and always to great acclaim. Like his contemporaries, Barzaghi progressed from biblical or allegorical subjects to depictions of childhood innocence, as in the subject of the present lot which depicts a young girl playing with a puppy and abandoning her toy doll on the ground. Another example of the present model signed and dated 'Barzaghi Fran./1869/Milano' sold Christie’s, New York, 19 April 2016, lot 66 ($35,000).

Post Lot Text

This lot has been imported from outside the EU for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on the invoice. Please see Conditions of Sale for further information.
Please refer to the storage and collection terms as set out in the terms and conditions.