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Goddess Circe Italian Neoclassical Sculpture Early 1800s Carved Ebonized Re-gilded

About the Item

Circe Italian Neoclassical Sculpture of Early 1800s the figure is a fascinating depiction of the Goddess Circe, made in Italy in the early 19th century. The pine wood carving and ebonizing technique with golden details add value and refinement to this work. Circe, in Greek mythology, is known for her power of transformation and enchantment, and her depiction in a standing position, arms spread wide, palms facing downward, in a welcoming attitude, reflects the duality of his figure, capable of both love and deception. The gold drapery on the divinity's hips and other details such as the gold shoes and the central bow that knots the drape frontally on the hips demonstrate the artist's ability to play with textures and finishes, creating an elegant and sophisticated contrast. The attention to detail in the face and the use of glass eyes testify to excellent craftsmanship, typical of Italian neoclassical sculpture. The original detailed hairstyle with cropped hair, with a hole at the top suggesting there was feathering inserted, the ears dangling at the earlobes, the perfect anatomy of the goddess' muscular body, are ornaments that denote the artist's desire to embellish the figure of the deity. Female sculpture nineteenth-century is in good conservative condition, the circular base is probably from a later period and comes from a private collection. This work, typical of the Italian school of the first quarter of the 19th century, represents not only a recent interpretation of classical themes, but also high quality workmanship that deserves to be valued and preserved. The iconographic setting of the Goddess Circe has, over the centuries, been represented in various artistic forms, from classical antiquity to the modern period; Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal's bronze sculpture of 1893 is an excellent example of how Circe has been reinterpreted in modern art, while retaining traditional iconographic elements. Mackennal, known for his elegant and symbolist sculptures, succeeds in capturing the essence of the figure of Circe, emphasizing both her beauty and her enchanting power. In general, the depiction of Circe has often included elements such as the chalice, a symbol of her magical potions, and animals such as pigs, as a reminder of her transformations. These iconographic motifs refer to mythological tales, such as those found in Homer's Odyssey, in which Circe plays a crucial role. Mackennal's sculpture, while innovative in its approach, is part of a long tradition of depictions that have attempted to communicate Circe's dual appearance: the seductive and the threatening. For the export from Italy of an art object that is more than 50 years old, a license called BELLE ARTI must be applied for from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. the issuance of such a license takes a couple of weeks or so, to be added to the order processing time.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 27.96 in (71 cm)Width: 14.57 in (37 cm)Depth: 10.63 in (27 cm)
  • Style:
    Neoclassical (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1810
  • Condition:
    Additions or alterations made to the original: The circular base seems later than the Neoclassical era of the sculpture. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Milano, IT
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: a13961stDibs: LU2160342278412

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