BY PROFESSOR VITTORIO CARADOSSI, FLORENCE, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Born in 1861, Vittorio Caradossi studied sculpture under Augusto Rivalta at the Accademia di Belle Arti. Like his tutor, he was commissioned to execute a number of public monuments, including his celebrated statue of the Renaissance artist Desiderio da Settignano, the model for which was awarded a silver medal at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. In contrast to his municipal works, Caradossi specialised in small scale groups of females and single nude figures inspired by nature. As in the present lot, his nymphs are distinct for their flowing curves based on natural forms, often in the form of celestial and nautical allegories. In both technique and choice of subject, the present lot is suggestive of the full blown Stile Liberty movement which was to form by the end of the century. Of particular note in the present figure is the stylised hair and sinuous lines of the shawl enwrapping the body, evocative of waves and shells. Modelled as a dancing cloudbourne nymph, Caradossi's extraordinary skill is further evident in the sense of movement and weightlessness the composition achieves.