Lot 58: c - Carl Frederik Holbech Danish, 1811-1880 , Eurydice white marble

signed and dated: C. F. HOLBECK FECIT ROMAE.1847. white marble

measurements note 79cm., 31in.

This exquisite neo-classical marble of the kneeling Eurydice with a serpent entwining itself around her ankle is one of the most celebrated works by the Danish sculptor Carl Frederick Holbech. Holbech was born in Denmark and trained at the Academy in Copenhagen. In 1841 he moved to Rome to work in the studio of the acclaimed Danish artist, Bertel Thorvaldsen. Respected for his skill and creativity, Holbech so impressed his master that upon Thorvaldsen's death Holbeck was granted his studio. Holbeck style is one of restrained romanticism. His work is a delicate balance of neo-classical execution and dramatic narrative.

The Dying Eurydice depicts the beautiful wife of Orpheus brought to her knees by the serpent's venomous bite. Holbeck exhibited his marble at the Charlottenborg exhibition of 1851. Many of the sculptor's other marbles are now in museum collections including the NY Carlsberg-Glyptothek, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Copenhagen and the Gallery Lotzbech, Munich.

RELATED LITERATURE
Thieme & Becker, p.326.