Lot Essay
The elegant modeling and detailed work on this small bronze is immediately evident upon close inspection -- and yet its authorship remains frustratingly elusive. It was included in the 1978 Giambologna exhibition as attributed by Charles Avery to Francavilla. And as Avery notes, there are similar versions, with some variations, at the Ashmolean, the Victoria and Albert Museum and formerly in the Düsseldorf Kunstmuseum and the Brinsley Ford and von Rhò collections.
In addition, a virtually identical model was sold Christie's, London, 7 July 1998, lot 127.
In addition, a virtually identical model was sold Christie's, London, 7 July 1998, lot 127.