Lot 345: A Florentine Bronze Pacing Bull, Gian Francesco Susini (circa 1575-1646), First Half 17th Century

the proud powerful animal striding forward with front left leg raised, head turned slightly to the left, the integrally cast tail curled up on the hindquarters, upon later black slate base.

measurements note height 8 7/8 in.; 22.5 cm.

The Edward M. Pfleuger Collection, New YorkMobay CorporationPrivate Collection

RELATED LITERATURE C. Avery and A. Radcliffe, Giambologna 1529-1608: Sculptor to the Medici, (exh. cat.), Arts Council of Great Britain, London & Vienna, 1978, no. 177, 178 A. Radcliffe and N. Penny, Art of the Renaissance Bronze 1500-1650: The Robert H. Smith Collection, London, 2004, no. 9 Inspired by classical models and reborn in the workshop of Giambologna, the popular model of the pacing bull was probably concieved as a pendant to the pacing horse. A bull is first documented in 1573 and was likely made for Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici. Dhahens considered the variant in the Bargello (Avery/Radcliffe, op. cit., no. 177) as the only autograph model by the master but another previously unknown autograph version came to auction in 2000 (Sotheby's London, July 5). The more robust animal seen in those two versions was the forerunner of the upright and slender model represented by the present bronze. Giambologna's principle assistant, Antonio Susini, is responsible for the refinement of the earlier version, and the more elegant animal of the Susini models holds his head high, with a less pronounced dewlap. The present cast displays the fine chasing, delicate tool marks and reddish-brown patina consistent with the work of Gian Francesco Susini, who inherited the workshop of his uncle Antonio upon his death in 1624.