This breathtaking Neo-Classical style hand-carved white Carrara marble figural group from the 19th century portrays a semi-nude lady reclining beside a seated Roman Caesar on a D-shaped bench, accompanied by two exquisitely carved griffins. The detailed depiction of the lovers forms a remarkable marble group set atop a 19th-century green marble pedestal.
It bears the signature of Raffaello Battelli from Pietrasanta, Italy, adding to the provenance and authenticity of this stunning piece of art. The intricate craftsmanship and composition make this marble sculpture a captivating representation of classical aesthetics and artistic mastery.
Signed: Raffaello Battelli, Pietrasanta Italy.
Circa 1880
Dimensions with pedestal:
Height: 61" (154.9 cm)
Width: 34" (86.3 cm)
Depth: 16" (40.6 cm)
Sculpture:
Height: 18" (45.7 cm)
Width: 29.5" (74.9 cm)
Depth: 13" (33 cm)
In the Annuario d'Italia of 1896 (op. cit. p. 1575), Rafaello Battelli is recorded as one of the 'scultori in marmo' living in the District of Lucca. He appears to have produced marbles after the antique and some genre sculptures.