Lot 1090* - A210 Decorative Arts - jeudi, 19. septembre 2024, 14h00
Attributed to GIUSEPPE MARIA MAZZA (1653-1741)
Italy, early 18th century.
Terracotta group with Nereids and a putto on shells, as a bozzetto for a fountain. On a later carved and gilt wooden base with applied garlands, on round feet.
Without base 29 × 20 × 34.5 cm.
The terracotta rubbed and with minor scratches, chips and repairs. The gilt plinth rubbed. Wooden applications somewhat loose and with a small chip.
Provenance:
- Collection Héli de Talleyrand-Périgord, Duc de Talleyrand.
- Auction Christie's Paris, “Ancienne Collection d'Héli de Talleyrand Duc de Talleyrand”, November 26, 2005, lot 269.
- Aristocratic private collection, Southern Germany, acquired at the above auction.
The terracotta sculpture group consists of a pair of nymphs in slightly different positions, sitting on a large, undulating shell and thus appearing to emerge from the sea. The two nymphs support a seated putto holding garlands of flowers, creating a harmonious triangular composition. The posture of the two nymphs is snake-like but at the same time soft and elegant, with their bodies draped in places with a cloth, creating a dynamic effect. The putto is characterized by his protruding, round cheeks and wears his wavy hair in a sweeping direction.
The gentle and soft terracotta finishes typical of Mazza are often reminiscent of his origins in painting, which he was taught by his father Camillo Mazza in his native city of Bologna. His works depict not only sacred but also secular or mythological scenes and can therefore be found in churches, private collections and the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna.
Provenance:
- Collection Héli de Talleyrand-Périgord, Duc de Talleyrand.
- Auction Christie's Paris, “Ancienne Collection d'Héli de Talleyrand Duc de Talleyrand”, November 26, 2005, lot 269.
- Aristocratic private collection, Southern Germany, acquired at the above auction.
The terracotta sculpture group consists of a pair of nymphs in slightly different positions, sitting on a large, undulating shell and thus appearing to emerge from the sea. The two nymphs support a seated putto holding garlands of flowers, creating a harmonious triangular composition. The posture of the two nymphs is snake-like but at the same time soft and elegant, with their bodies draped in places with a cloth, creating a dynamic effect. The putto is characterized by his protruding, round cheeks and wears his wavy hair in a sweeping direction.
The gentle and soft terracotta finishes typical of Mazza are often reminiscent of his origins in painting, which he was taught by his father Camillo Mazza in his native city of Bologna. His works depict not only sacred but also secular or mythological scenes and can therefore be found in churches, private collections and the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna.
CHF 20 000 / 30 000 | (€ 20 620 / 30 930)