A seven foot eight important and seminal marble figural lamp… - Decorative Arts - Leonard Joel Pty. Ltd.

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Description:

A seven foot eight important and seminal marble figural lamp 'Sogno Di Sposa', sculpted by Professor Giuseppe Bessi (Italian 1857-1922), late 19th century, in various marbles; castellina, scaglione, bordiglio and agate, the outstretched semi robed figure depicted with elated expression, the figure set upon integral base, 240 cm high (in four components). Literature: Professor Giuseppe Bessi studied at the Academy of fine arts in Florence at a pivotal time for Italian marble neoclassicism and Art Nouveau sculpture. In 1879 Bessi founded his own workshop in Volterra and mainly made busts and statues of alabaster, and various marbles. Bessi is regarded as one of the most important representatives of the Italian salon sculpture. During an exhibition Bessi opened in Rome in 1907 H.M.Queen of Italy made a personal inspection, during which she secured several original Bessi works. H.M the Queen was so delighted with the exhibition that she honoured the artist with a special badge of the Royal Family and appointed him 'Sculptor to the King & Queen of Italy'. Bessi was a director at the Art School of Volterra from 1891 to 1910 and taught there until his death. This institution is considered the only art school worldwide for alabaster art. It was established because, near Volterra, natural alabaster has been mined and processed since at least the sixth century BC. Bessi's alabaster artworks were exhibited and awarded at the World's Fair in Paris, Turin and St. Louis. His works were sold internationally with great economic success. Important museums today have works by Bessi, including the St. Petersburg Hermitage. The largest collection of his works can be found in the Museum of Volterra, the Ecomuseo dell'Alabastro. In appreciation of his achievements, a street was named after him in Florence.

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Category:

Lighting: Alabaster & Marble