Lot 404
- 404
An Italian Bronze Figure of Moses, after Michelangelo, by Francesco Righetti (1749-1819), early 19th century, Naples or Rome
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description
- Bronze on porphyry and marble base
- 12 3/8 in.; 31.4 cm.
on a porphyry and yellow marble base with a gilt bronze portrait relief of Pope Pius VII surrounded by the inscription, Alteri Moysi Pio VII Pont. Max. rei christianae sospitatori et vindici. Israelitici / ducis ab se conflatum simulacrum Franciscus Righetti dat consecratqve D.N.M.Q.E. (dicatus numini majestatique ejus).
Provenance
Christie's, London, December 13, 1994, lot 171
Condition
Golden-brown patina beneath greenish-brown lacquer. General surface abrasions. Some minor ares of repatination, possibly due to original casting flaws. Minor chipping to base. Medallion somewhat loose. Overall beautifully modeled.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Francesco Righetti was a sculptor, silversmith, and bronze-founder. He studied under the Roman silversmith Luigi Valadier and although both produced bronze compositions after the antique, Righetti became a more prominent producer of sculpture, responding to the voracious appetite for faithful replicas of well-known ancient and modern sculpture. Pope Pius VII visited Righetti's studio in Naples in 1801 to see the gilt bronze altar set which he had commissioned for S. Giorgio Maggiore in Venice and in 1805 Righetti became the head of the Vatican foundry. His son Luigi ran the Neapolitan studio in his absence and, after Righetti's death, Luigi and his son Francesco Righetti the Younger ran both the Neopolitan and Roman foundries.
The inscription oꦆn the medal affixed to the base dedicates the sculpture to Pius VII, who is called here "the other Moses."