MARBLE  FROM  FLORENCE - October 2008

Since the time Michaelangelo lived and worked there, Florence has been

famous for its sculptors . A visit to the city has always been a

must for anyone interested in European sculpture.

In the eighteenth century wealthy visitors often wanted to

bring back home with them pieces of sculpture. In the early days there

was a flourishing market in examples, damaged or complete,

from the time of the Roman Empire, as well as works from the Renaissance.

Later, when prices for these soared, good replicas of ancient works were bought

instead. This gave a tremendous impetus to local sculptors.

Florence had never lost its tradition of sculpture and in the 1800's 

very good work in the style of the day was produced. There are many examples

in English homes and churches. Glandford church in North Norfolk has a beautiful

marble angel, a memorial to the donor's mother, commissioned from one of

the contemporary Florentine sculptors.

Using white Carrara marble  – the quarries are only 65miles from Florence –

figures of great beauty were made, not only of religious or Classical subjects, but also depicting domestic and pastoral life. A pair of figures by Pietro Barzanti of Florence were offered for auction at Horner's sale on Saturday 25^th October 2008. They were of a boy tearing a page from a school book, and portraying an opposite emotion, a girl in pensive pose. Signed by the sculptor and with their original green marble columns they typified the skill and charm of C19th Florentine work.

The sale also included the usual high quality entry of varied items including a Grand 19^th century marble top console table on gilt leg, approx 5'long. Norwich School Oil paintings. Large quantity of fine jewellery, Bound visitors book – Bulbridge house -  sigs incl: Evelyn Waugh, Clementine Churchill, Cecil Beaton, Hardy Amies, Phillip Sassoon, Rex Whistler etc. and a Superb 1934 Morris Ten Six, showroom condition. For full sale results, see catalogues and results page