Description of the Artwork
Subject: Putto with Butterfly (Allegory of the Soul or Innocence).
Author: Giuseppe Gambogi (att. engraved signature).
Material: Sculpted white alabaster.
Base: Double circular base in turned marble/stone of various shades.
Condition: The artwork shows a natural patina and some signs of age consistent with its era. There are no breaks or restorations.
Dimensions: Height 67 cm (including base), width 30 cm, depth 25 cm
Artistic Analysis
The sculpture depicts a winged putto seated on a natural rocky element, captured in a moment of extreme delicacy as he interacts with a butterfly resting on his left arm. The composition is dynamic and harmonious: the twist of the torso and the play of the arms create sinuous lines that invite the viewer to move around the work.
The craftsmanship of the alabaster is masterful, especially in the rendering of the voluminous curls of the hair and the softness of the skin, which utilizes the natural translucency of the material to simulate infant skin. The contrast between the smooth finish of the body and the rougher rocky base highlights the sculptor's technical mastery.
Biographical Notes: Giuseppe Gambogi (1862–1933)
Giuseppe Gambogi was a prominent Italian sculptor, active mainly in Florence between the 19th and 20th centuries. He is renowned for his extraordinary skill in working with precious stone materials such as Carrara marble and Volterra alabaster.
Style: His work fits within the taste of Eclecticism and Late Neoclassicism, with frequent forays into Liberty (Art Nouveau). He is known for his romantic subjects, elegant female figures, busts of maidens, and allegorical putti.
The Market: His works were highly appreciated by international collectors of the time, particularly Americans and the English who frequented Florence during the late 19th-century "Grand Tour."
Collecting Relevance: Today his sculptures are found in numerous art galleries and international auction houses (such as Sotheby's or Christie's), where they are sought after for their executive quality and their ability to elegantly furnish high-status environments.
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