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Lot Essay
The original model upon which the present lot is based is Giambologna's so-called Cesarini Venus. In an unconventional development of a model, Giambologna first developed the bronze, which is dated to circa 1565, and afterwards carved the life-size marble version for Giovanni Giorgio Cesarini in circa 1583, now in the American Embassy, Rome. Only very minor details in the drapery changed in the transferral of the model into a monumental piece and, regardless of the scale of the model, it was as revered in small as it was in large scale.
The bronze on offer here is one of a number of casts made in the 17th century by artists who took inspiration from Giambologna's masterful rendition of the female form and subtle eroticism. The slightly varying pose, the dark black patination and almond shaped eyes point to a non-Italian production, and it is likely that this bronze was made in Germany or the Netherlands where Giambologna's works were very well known through the wide distribution of prints and casts of the original compositions.
The bronze on offer here is one of a number of casts made in the 17th century by artists who took inspiration from Giambologna's masterful rendition of the female form and subtle eroticism. The slightly varying pose, the dark black patination and almond shaped eyes point to a non-Italian production, and it is likely that this bronze was made in Germany or the Netherlands where Giambologna's works were very well known through the wide distribution of prints and casts of the original compositions.