Lot 147: Attributed to Giovacchino Fortini (1671-1736) Italian, Florence, first half 18th century , A terracotta figure of David

signed GF

measurements note 37.5cm.; 14¾in.

Fortini was was a Florentine sculptor who was a student of Marcellini and Piamontini. His work, however, was most profoundly influenced by Foggini and Soldani. He executed two marble angels for the Feroni family chapel in SS. Annunziata as well as the decoration for the high altar. He portrayed a series of illustrious citizens of Florence, but was best known for his marble tomb of Philipp Degenhard von Hochkirchen, Cologne Cathedral and his work as a medallist. Fortini assumed Foggini's position as architect to the Medici court after his death. Fortini was also a master of the Accademia del Disegno. Fortini's style is marked by precise detailing and subtle textural treatment. His best modelling work is at a small scale such as that of the present terracotta.

The present David will be included in Sandro Bellesi's forthcoming monograph on Fortini. RELATED LITERATURE
R. Verres: 'Zu Giovacchino Fortini', Pantheon, xviii (1936), pp. 358-9; K. Lankheit: Florentinische Barockplastik: Die Kunst am Hofe der letzten Medici, 1670-1743 (Munich, 1962), pp. 88, 172, 175-8, 192-3, 226-7