Giuseppe Gambogi, Putto with Butterfly, 1890s, Alabaster

Details

Description

Subject: Putto with Butterfly (Allegory of the Soul or Innocence).

Author: Giuseppe Gambogi (attributed engraved signature).

Material: Sculpted white alabaster.

… Read more Subject: Putto with Butterfly (Allegory of the Soul or Innocence).

Author: Giuseppe Gambogi (attributed engraved signature).

Material: Sculpted white alabaster.

Base: Double circular base in marble/turned stone of varying shades.

Condition: The work has a natural patina and some signs of aging consistent with its age. There are no cracks or restorations.

Dimensions: Height 67 cm (including base), width 30 cm, depth 25 cm
Artistic Analysis

The sculpture depicts a winged putto sitting on a natural rock, captured in a moment of extreme delicacy as he interacts with a butterfly perched on his left arm. The composition is dynamic and harmonious: the twisting of the torso and the interplay of the arms create sinuous lines that invite the viewer to wander around the work.

The alabaster workmanship is masterful, especially in the rendering of the voluminous curls of the hair and the softness of the skin, which exploits the natural translucency of the material to simulate infant skin. The contrast between the smooth finish of the body and the rougher, rocky base highlights the sculptor's technical mastery.

Biographical Notes: Giuseppe Gambogi (1862–1933)

Giuseppe Gambogi was a prominent Italian sculptor, active primarily in Florence between the 19th and 20th centuries. He is renowned for his extraordinary skill in working with precious stone materials such as Carrara marble and Volterra alabaster.

Style: His work falls within the Eclecticism and late Neoclassicism styles, with frequent forays into Art Nouveau. He is known for his romantic subjects, elegant female figures, busts of young girls, and allegorical putti.

The Market: His works were highly prized by international collectors of the time, particularly the Americans and English who frequented Florence during the late 19th-century "Grand Tour."

Collective Importance: Today, his sculptures are featured in numerous international art galleries and auction houses (such as Sotheby's and Christie's), where they are sought after for their quality of execution and their ability to elegantly furnish prestigious spaces. See less