Lot 64: - Emilio Zocchi , Italian 1835-1913 The masquerade white marble on a mottled red and black marble column

signed: E.ZOCCHI F: FLORENCE. white marble on a mottled red and black marble column

measurements note marble: 90cm., 35½in. column: 111cm., 43¾in.

This mischievously masked woman is a virtuoso example of Italian genre carving. Lace, ruffles and tassels have been ingeniously reproduced in the unforgiving stone as the sculptor chiselled away the layers of marble beginning from the point of the right index finger.

Emilio Zocchi was a consummate master of the informal genre subject. His best-known work was his much copied Michelangelo, which showed the artistic genius as a young boy wearing a sculptor's apron as he bends low in concentration over a carved head, hammer and chisel in hand. In the same vein Zocchi here evokes the popular atmosphere of the carnival or the comedia del'arte. Taking full advantage of the licence granted to a masked identity this marble masquerader steps forth in an unseemly state of dress with her blouse slipping over her shoulder and frilled pantaloons above exposed ankles. The pose and gestures, with the right hand pointing forwards and the left holding roses suggest an unknown narrative. The elaborate headdress and specific costume may even describe a particular theatrical character. Whilst the identity of the figure remains a mystery the marble is a rare and accomplished testament to its creator and typifies an important movement in late 19υth century marble carving.

RELATED LITERATURE
Panzetta, vol II, p. 993