Object Description
Very rare pair of marble sculptures of seated children by Cesare Lapini
Italian, Late 19th Century
Boy: height 71cm, width 32cm, depth 41cm
Girl: height 71cm, width 33cm, depth 35cm
These wonderful sculptures were executed by the highly skilled nineteenth century Florentine sculptor Cesare Lapini (Italian, 1848-1893), one of a number of prolific master artists working in Florence in the second half of the nineteenth century who were heavily influenced by the great Neoclassical master Antonio Canova.
In the form of a seated boy and girl, titled on their bases ‘Volere E Potere,’ (willing and able, or where there’s a will there’s a way), and ‘Chi S’Aiuta Dio L’Aiuta (God helps he who helps himself), these delightful allegorical sculptures are exemplary of Lapini’s great poise and of the delicacy of his touch – he was particularly celebrated for the fine polish and wonderful surface textures and qualities he could achieve in his works. Works such as these were originally intended for the Grand Tour market, but for a contemporary audience make for a delightful pair of pieces for interior design, perfect for the lover of classical marble sculpture. Each signed, situated and dated ‘C. Lapini / Firenze 1888.’