Pasquale Giovanni Napolitano Sold at Auction Prices

Pasquale Giovanni Napolitano (1901-2001 Los Angeles, CA)

Bust of Father Junipero Serra, incised with signature and inscription verso: P.G. Napolitano Sculptor, plaster on wooden base. Note: Father Junipero Serra was the founder of the California Missions. In 1945, Napolitano was commissioned to produce a larger than life-sized sculpture of Father Serra for Serra Retreat Center in Malibu, CA. The sculptor's family confirms that the present work is the head from the original 7 foot sculpture that cracked during firing. The second cast was successful and still stands at Serra Retreat Center. Also accompanying the lot are: a January 16, 1951 Look magazine featuring an article about Padre Serra, ''A Saint May Rise From the California Missions'', pp. 23-28, along with another original copy of just the article, a black and white photo postcard of the Serra Retreat Center sculpture in situ and a cover of the November 9, 1973 Twin Circle newspaper featuring a photo of the Serra Retreat sculpture. Dimensions of the base: 3'' H x 17'' W x 12.5'' D. Provenance: Estate of P.G. and Emma Amelia Napolitano; by descent in the family to the present owner