Object Description
Cleopatra
By Giuseppe Gambogi
Carved from white alabaster, a contrasting veined alabaster, parcel gilt highlights, and standing on an architectural plinth of cream alabaster, the figure of Cleopatra standing in contrapposto as she leans on the ruins behind her carved with hieroglyphics, clad in a flowing skirt with gilt sash, feathered headdress and with a snake armband. The plinth signed ‘G Gambogi.’
Italian, circa 1910
Giuseppe Gambogi (1862-1938)
Giuseppe Gambogi was an Italian sculptor born in Pisa and active in Florence, where he maintained a studio-atelier with his sons Mario & Gastone. Gambogi’s oeuvre spans from classical subjects to orientalist and romantic subjects, often of idealised female figure with Art Nouveau influences. His sculptures combine several media including marble, alabaster, and occasionally bronze or onyx. A relief carving by the artist is held in the collection of the Dante Museum of Ravenna.