The fragmentary carving, fashioned from one piece of white marble, showing two young children sitting upon a rocky outcrop, indistinctly signed and surviving only partially intact from the second quarter of nineteenth century France or Italy.
Unknown.
There is still enough evidence of a quality craftsman at work here and its story as to quite why it is in this condition is what makes it an intriguing conversation starter. It has obviously been positioned in the same place for a very long time, probably by the coast.
An interesting piece that is somehow improved via its inescapable timeworn appearance.
The condition is wholly apparent and honest which is part of the appeal; one figures head is lost and so are the ends of the arms and feet. The other figure, with losses to tits face, still smiles towards the vacant head, which is oddly fascinating. The rough hewn marble is weathered to the whole with temperature and sea salt related cracks. There is a beautifully incised signature to the reverse under the feet but is very hard to decipher; it would be worth pursuing.
By appointment only.
