AN ITALIAN BRONZE BUST ENTITLED 'IL FILOSOFO'

Vincenzo Gemito (1852-1929) executed his bust of a philosopher, known as Il Filosofo, in 1883 in the De Mesnil workshop. The work is reputedly inspired by his adoptive father, Francesco Jadicicco, and the Antique. Exhibited by Gemito at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900 and the Venice Esposizione Internazionale de Arte three years later under the title Testa di Vecchio alias Il Filosofo, the bust rapidly became one of the most popular works from the sculptor's mature period and reveals the his characteristic skill in blending the Antique with his own experience.

Another cast of this model sold Sotheby's, London, 16 November 2006, lot 120 (£20,400).