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Lot Essay
Severo Da Ravenna was one of the most important producers of small bronzes in Padua in the early 16th century. He was born in either Ravenna or Ferrara to a sculptor father, and may have trained with Pietro Lombardo in his early years. By 1500 he is recorded in Padua, and appears to have returned to Ravenna around 1510, spending the remainder of his working life there.
Severo is thought to be one of the few sculptors of the period who was capable of executing his own casts, and his workshop developed a widespread clientele for small bronzes, including domestic objects such as candlesticks or inkwells. He was patronized by some of the most important figures of his day, including Isabella d'Este. The popularity of his inventions is attested by the almost unbroken fascination people have had for his satyrs and grotesque dragons from the 16th century to the present day.
The present model of a kneeling satyr is known in numerous versions, most of them of lesser quality, and many with varying details. This bronze is probably closest in overall form to the signed example sold at Christie's London, 8 July 1981, lot 341, although there are differences of patination and finish which suggest that they are not from the same hand (Avery and Radcliffe, loc. cit.). The vigorous and free modeling of the locks of hair are common to both, but the present satyr has an extensively hammered surface, deeply incised eyes and a more greenish-brown patina. The treatment of the eyes with raised pupils is also particular to Severo’s personal style. The strong modeling, especially in the satyr’s face and furry legs is very similar to the one sold from the Collection Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, Christie’s, Paris, 25 February 2009, lot 485.
Severo is thought to be one of the few sculptors of the period who was capable of executing his own casts, and his workshop developed a widespread clientele for small bronzes, including domestic objects such as candlesticks or inkwells. He was patronized by some of the most important figures of his day, including Isabella d'Este. The popularity of his inventions is attested by the almost unbroken fascination people have had for his satyrs and grotesque dragons from the 16th century to the present day.
The present model of a kneeling satyr is known in numerous versions, most of them of lesser quality, and many with varying details. This bronze is probably closest in overall form to the signed example sold at Christie's London, 8 July 1981, lot 341, although there are differences of patination and finish which suggest that they are not from the same hand (Avery and Radcliffe, loc. cit.). The vigorous and free modeling of the locks of hair are common to both, but the present satyr has an extensively hammered surface, deeply incised eyes and a more greenish-brown patina. The treatment of the eyes with raised pupils is also particular to Severo’s personal style. The strong modeling, especially in the satyr’s face and furry legs is very similar to the one sold from the Collection Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, Christie’s, Paris, 25 February 2009, lot 485.