Carrara Marble Allegory
.jpg)
.png)
10155
A Fine 19th Century, Italian, Carrara Marble Sculpture:
Italy 1860’s. A fine Carrara marble “Allegory of the Night,” statue attributed to Pietro di Francesco Franchi (1817-1878) (1,2). The statue is 66.8 X 20 X 20 cm, and weighs 15 Kg. Pietro Franchi was an Italian sculptor who specialized in high quality Carrara marble sculptures during the third quarter of the 19th century. He studied fine art and stone carving at the Accademia di Belle Arte in Carrara, Italy, and opened his own studio in Carrara shortly thereafter. He created sculptures of many celebrated antique pieces and famous contemporary works of the time. His marble sculptures are set apart from others of the period due to his attention to small details, and to the highly polished surfaces that he was able to achieve. Most well done 19th century Carrara sculptures of this type can be traced to Franchi’s art studio. A seasoned connoisseur of fine marble statuary can easily discern a Franchi piece upon only cursory inspection.
The present sculpture is known as an: “Allegory of The Night,” which would pair with a similar statue: “Allegory of the Day,” the concept first presented and introduced by the French sculptor James Pradier (Jean Jacques Pradier) (1790-1852) (7). Several of Franchi’s works are known (3,4,5,6) and are highly sought after, commanding high prices due to their overall high quality and scarcity.
Condition:
Excellent condition. Nice, highly desirable, and subtle veining of the Carrara marble. No hairline fractures by longwave UV scan. A fine piece reflecting elegant, neoclassical artistry and Victorian craftsmanship.
Bibliography:
1. Benezit, E. (1999) Dictionnaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Gravures; Vol 5, p. 643. Paris.
2. Panzetta, A. (2003) Nuovo Dizionario Degliscultere Italia dell’Ottocento e del Primo Novecento; Vol 1, p. 374, 579. Turin.
3. Sotheby’s, London (2015) 19th and 20th Century Sculpture; 20 MAY 2015; Lot: 85 & 88.
4. Christie’s, New York (2022) Old Master Paintings and Sculpture; 7 OCT 2022; Lot: 64.
5. Christie’s, London (2022) The Collector: English & European Furniture, Ceramics, Silver & Works of Art; Lot: 194.
6. Bonham’s, New Bond Street (2025) 24 FEB 2025; Lot: 20.
7. Lapaire (2010) James Pradier (1790-1852) and French Sculpture of the Romantic Generation; p. 358, No. 292-293 and p. 440-441, No, 538-539. Milan.
A Fine 19th Century, Italian, Carrara Marble Sculpture:
Italy 1860’s. A fine Carrara marble “Allegory of the Night,” statue attributed to Pietro di Francesco Franchi (1817-1878) (1,2). The statue is 66.8 X 20 X 20 cm, and weighs 15 Kg. Pietro Franchi was an Italian sculptor who specialized in high quality Carrara marble sculptures during the third quarter of the 19th century. He studied fine art and stone carving at the Accademia di Belle Arte in Carrara, Italy, and opened his own studio in Carrara shortly thereafter. He created sculptures of many celebrated antique pieces and famous contemporary works of the time. His marble sculptures are set apart from others of the period due to his attention to small details, and to the highly polished surfaces that he was able to achieve. Most well done 19th century Carrara sculptures of this type can be traced to Franchi’s art studio. A seasoned connoisseur of fine marble statuary can easily discern a Franchi piece upon only cursory inspection.
The present sculpture is known as an: “Allegory of The Night,” which would pair with a similar statue: “Allegory of the Day,” the concept first presented and introduced by the French sculptor James Pradier (Jean Jacques Pradier) (1790-1852) (7). Several of Franchi’s works are known (3,4,5,6) and are highly sought after, commanding high prices due to their overall high quality and scarcity.
Condition:
Excellent condition. Nice, highly desirable, and subtle veining of the Carrara marble. No hairline fractures by longwave UV scan. A fine piece reflecting elegant, neoclassical artistry and Victorian craftsmanship.
Bibliography:
1. Benezit, E. (1999) Dictionnaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Gravures; Vol 5, p. 643. Paris.
2. Panzetta, A. (2003) Nuovo Dizionario Degliscultere Italia dell’Ottocento e del Primo Novecento; Vol 1, p. 374, 579. Turin.
3. Sotheby’s, London (2015) 19th and 20th Century Sculpture; 20 MAY 2015; Lot: 85 & 88.
4. Christie’s, New York (2022) Old Master Paintings and Sculpture; 7 OCT 2022; Lot: 64.
5. Christie’s, London (2022) The Collector: English & European Furniture, Ceramics, Silver & Works of Art; Lot: 194.
6. Bonham’s, New Bond Street (2025) 24 FEB 2025; Lot: 20.
7. Lapaire (2010) James Pradier (1790-1852) and French Sculpture of the Romantic Generation; p. 358, No. 292-293 and p. 440-441, No, 538-539. Milan.
.png)