Lot Essay
The first blackamoors, which were carved in Venice at the close of the 17th Century, were initially primarily intended as freestanding items of sculpture, but were also incorportated in torcheres or cabinet-stands. Whereas the inspiration of these figures probably derives from the oeuvre of Domenico and Francesco Stainhart of the 1670s, the most important Venetian carver of the earliest blackamoors was Andrea Brustolon (active from 1684), who specialised in sculptural furniture and was patronised by the most prominent Venetian families. Blackamoors continued to be a speciality of Venice throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries and remain a reminder of this town's position as gateway to exotic overseas territories. (C. Payne, 19th Century European Furniture, London, 1981, p.383)
A closely related blackamoor, with similar lace trimmings, was sold anonymously at Christie's London, 27 February 1997, lot 97. A related pair was sold anonymously at Philips London, 28 June 1994, lot 163, and a further related pair was sold anonymously at Christie's London, 28 October 1993, lot 195.
See illustration
A closely related blackamoor, with similar lace trimmings, was sold anonymously at Christie's London, 27 February 1997, lot 97. A related pair was sold anonymously at Philips London, 28 June 1994, lot 163, and a further related pair was sold anonymously at Christie's London, 28 October 1993, lot 195.
See illustration