A portrait of Amerigo Vespucci (1454-1512)

The present relief depicts the Italian explorer, cartographer and navigator Amerigo Vespucci (1454-1512) from whose name the term 'America' is derived. The portrait is one of a series of important Florentine figures; four others from the group are today in the Haukohl collection, Texas (Berti, loc. cit.). These depict Michelangelo, Marsilio Ficino, Galileo Galilei and Niccolo Machiavelli all holding the attributes of their respective professions. The Haukohl series has previously been attributed to the Florentine artist Antonio Montauti (1686 - 1740) based on stylistic comparison with a signed marble roundel of Ficino (sold Christie’s London, 19 July 2019, lot 144). However, recent research by Dr Charles Avery suggests an attribution to Foggini is more likely for the four Haukolh portraits and the present lot. This is based on both stylistic grounds and comparison with a previously unpublished group of stucco portraits that remain in the entrance hall of Foggini’s former studio and foundry on the Borgo Pinti in Florence. This second series depicts Dante, Boccaccio, Galileo and Ficino, notably the latter two portraits have the same composition as their counterparts in the Haukohl collection.

We would like to thank Dr Charles Avery for his assistance with the attribution of the present lot which will be the subject of a forthcoming academic publication.