Lot Essay
Born in Rezzato, Brescia, where he attended the School of Design, Giovanni Battista Lombardi (d. 1880) studied under Lorenzo Vela in Milan and subsequently moved to Rome to work with Pietr Tenerani on funerary monuments, busts and reliefs of religious and classical inspiration. Establishing his own studio with his younger brother, Giovito, Lombardi progressed to more genre and intimate subjects and was particularly keen on oriental themes and the portrayal of Old Testament heroines (see Christie's London, 14 May 1998, lot 168, for a figure of Ruth and 29 October 1998, lot 199, for a figure of Suzanna). The universally pleasing subject-matter of the present group is a refreshing departure from these quasi-religious themes and demonstrates Lombardi's fine ability in handling large marble compositions. The Spanish title inscription is evidence that the destiny of Lombardi's work was confined not just to Italy.