Lot Essay
Luigi Bienaimé (d. 1878) won the Rome Prize in 1818 at the Accademia di Belle Arti e Liceo Artistico in Carrara before joining Bertel Thorvaldsen's atelier in Rome. He became a strong proponent of his master's Neoclassic style, and by 1827, was in charge of the studio.
One of the artist's more popular models, the present group is a reduction of the original 155 cm. plaster, dated 1831, and preserved in Carrara at the Gispsoteca of the Accademia di Belle Arti. The polished surface and clean lines reflect the influence of his master, and the gentle pose has inspired many copies, including variations showing the child alone.
One of the artist's more popular models, the present group is a reduction of the original 155 cm. plaster, dated 1831, and preserved in Carrara at the Gispsoteca of the Accademia di Belle Arti. The polished surface and clean lines reflect the influence of his master, and the gentle pose has inspired many copies, including variations showing the child alone.