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Life Size Italian 19th Century Marble Sculpture Children on Crib, A. Tantardini
About
Antonio Tantardini (Italian, 1829-1879) An extraordinary Italian 19th century life size marble sculpture of "A Young Child and a baby in a wicker crib" - A Risorgimento Allegory. Signed and dated: A.nio Tantanrdini F.ce / 1863. The older child's medallion inscribed with an interlocked XV and Garibaldi, the crib monogrammed: AR. Circa: Florence, 1863. This sculpture includes a recent custom-made veined black marble pedestal stand (Not shown).
Height: 49 1/2 inches (124.5 cm).
Width: 48 inches (122 cm).
Depth: 27 inches (68.5 cm).
Pedestal height: 27 3/4 inches (70.5 cm).
Pedestal width: 47 1/2 inches (120.7 cm).
Pedestal depth: 29 3/4 inches (75.6 cm).
Overall height: 77 1/4 inches (196.2 cm).
In a country famed for its skilled carvers and working in an age when virtuoso carving technique was highly prized, Antonio Tantardini was one of the very best exponents of master carvers in nineteenth century Italy. Vicario describes Tantardini's skill as 'un abilità tecnica stupefacente'.
The present amazing quality marble group epitomizes Tantardini's exceptional talents as a carver. Lesser sculptors might have shied away from attempting to carve a life-size wicker crib in marble, but Tantardini has clearly relished the Challenge. The result is a stunning achievement of verismo Italian sculpture.
This marble group, however, is more than a paradigm of Italian marble carving, it is also a prime example of the use of Risorgimento allegory in Italian sculpture of the 1860s. Famous sculptural Risorgimento allegories include Raffaelle Monti's Sleep of Sorrow and Dream of Joy, in the Victoria & Albert Museum and Pietro Magni's Reading Girl, sold at Sotheby's in London, 5 July 2000, lot 148 and now in the National Gallery of Art, Washington. Here the device used to indicate the underlying meaning is a discreet medallion hanging around the neck of the child, inscribed with the words Garibaldi; in the Reading Girl there is a portrait relief of Garibaldi on the medallion worn by the girl. The specific identity of the children is not known but the carved initials AR on the crib may relate to the Realini family. The two children represented in this marble group are therefore meant to represent the future of the new united Italy. By 1863 unification was almost complete, but the fledgling nation was still in conflict, with the Third Battle of Independence yet to be won. Subtle allegorical sculptures such as those by Monti, Magni and Tantardini served to endorse the legitimacy of the Risorgimento and their aspirational message is certainly more inspiring than the countless public statues of Risorgimento heroes which litter every Italian piazza; of which Tantardini too did his fair share.
Related literature:
Vicario, Vol.2, p.1021-1024l Panzetta, Vol.2, p.902.
Another much smaller example of a similar artwork also by Antonio Trantardini titled "Two Prince's in a Crib" and only measuring 33 inches x 25.6 inches x 51.2 inches (85 cm x 65 cm x 130 cm) is part of the collection at The Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
A carved marble sculpture by Antonio Tantardini titled "Bagnante Seduta" (Seated Bather) depicting a seated bather is part of the collection at The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A carved marble sculpture by Antonio Tantardini titled "La Clarina" depicting a young maiden is part of the collection at The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A lifesize carved marble sculpture by Antonio Tantardini titled "The Bride" depicting a standing young bride is currently on public display at The Rose Garden at Borde Hill Gardens in West Sussex, United Kingdom.
The interior of the Santuario della Consolata or Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Consolation is a prominent Marian sanctuary and minor basilica in central Turin, Italy, has a jubilantly polychrome Rococo decoration with colored marbles and solomonic columns. The Juvarra altar has two marble angels in adoration by Antonio Tantardini.
Number of items: Two (One sculpture and one pedestal).
Details
- CreatorAntonio Tantardini 1 (Sculptor)
- In the Style Of
- Place of Origin
- Date of Manufacture1863
- Period
- Materials and Techniques
- ConditionExcellent
- Condition DetailsThis is a very heavy sculpture and requires professional handling and equipment. The condition of this sculpture is excellent and it has always been kept indoors. Pedestal size is (Not shown) 27 3/4" x 47 1/2" x 29 3/4"
- WearWear consistent with age and use.
- DimensionsH 49.5 in. x W 48 in. x D 27 in.H 125.73 cm x W 121.92 cm x D 68.58 cm
- Seller LocationLos Angeles, CA
- Seller Reference NumberA1203
- Sold AsSet of 2
- Reference NumberLU179623959613
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