Lot 1558: RINALDO DE RINALDI (Italian 1793-1873)

RINALDO DE RINALDI (Italian, 1793-1873) MONUMENTAL ANTIQUE MARBLE SCULPTURE, THE PENSIVE SHEPHERDESS. Outstanding antique and rare large carved marble semi-nude woman seated on a plinth covered by a sheep skin pelt. She holds a writing instrument in her right hand against a tree stump and contemplates with her hand at chin. The tree stump incorporates a shoot of growth with large berries and long leaves. Her hair has been braided and pulled up behind her head and she wears a headscarf which flows down her back. She wears a loose fitting dress which drapes down and is knotted below her chest. Her Shepherd's crook is nestled between her and the stump. On the back of the plinth is script signed "R. Rinaldi Roma, 1852." Rinaldi was born in Padoue, Italy. He was a sculptor only and the son of another known sculptor, Domenico Rinaldi. Rinaldo Rinaldi's works appear in various museums including Liverpool, Padoue, Rome, Venice and others. He died July 1873 in Rome, Italy. The whole carved from one piece, outstanding detail includes the carving of the sheep, head area, and dress. PROVENANCE: Recently discovered in an old warehouse in New Hampshire and having been in storage there for many, many years. SIZE: 50"h x 24" dia at base. CONDITION: The surface has some mottled gray stains on shoulders and back area and with a textured and weathered surface. Some minor imperfections include the end of stylus missing at knuckle, several leaftips missing. Large, impressive, well-executed figure that is in remarkable good condition for its age. 8-86209 FP