STAIR
Live Auction

John Richardson: A Scholar Collects DAY ONE

Wed, Sep 16, 2020 11:00AM EDT
Lot 83

Large North Italian Baroque Marble Bust of a Gentleman, Possibly Giacomo A. Ponsonelli

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000
Sold for

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$200 $50
$500 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000

Label on the back from John Richardson stating the he conferred with the late James Draper of the European sculpture department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art who suggested this bust was by Giacomo Ponsonelli. 

33 x 31 in.

Note: Giacomo Antonio Ponsonelli (1654-1735) born in Massa Carrara first trained as a sculptor in his father's (Giovanni Ponsonelli) workshop. He also trained in Genoa with his father-in-law, the famous Filippo Parodi, who worked with Bernini in Rome for 6 years at the height of the baroque movement. Ponsonelli's own work evolved and became more prolific after Parodi died in 1702. He was known for his portraiture, although he worked on the dramatic high altar in the cathedral of Nostra Signora delle Vigne in Genoa which was finished by his pupil Pasquale Bocciardo posthumously. One of Ponsonelli's  famous works is of a bust of Diana which is now in the Louvre in Paris. The exaggerated flowing treatment of the fabric on the above offered lot is in keeping with some of Ponsonelli's work.   

Condition

Scuffing, abrasions and dirt to the surface consistent with age. Nose has been restored, scuffing on the chin, repairs to the collar and tassels. His hair is largely intact with minor age splits with scattered encrusted surface around the curls. Small age splits above the brow. Minor black surface staining on this hand. Nicks and chips along his flowing robe and along the sides and base. Skillfully carved.Not withstanding this report or any discussion concerning condition of a lot, all lots are offered and sold "as is" in accordance with our conditions of sale.Â