Lot 109: Francesco Fanelli (1577-after 1641) Anglo-Italian, 17th century , Turk on horseback being attacked by a lion bronze, on a gilt bronze plinth; a small white label inscribed B381 on the underside

bronze, on a gilt bronze plinth; a small white label inscribed B381 on the underside

measurements note overall: 21.5 by 19cm., 8½ by 7½in.

George Vertue's account of the collection of Lord Oxford has firmly established that this model of the Turk was conceived by Francesco Fanelli. Vertue notes the typical black lacquer finish which also adorns the present bronze. In an earlier account of the sculptor's qualities, Joachim von Sandrart lauds Fanelli's ability to produce models and casts that do not require reworking. It is in particularly fine casts such as this bronze Turk that Fanelli's individual talent is best illustrated: even on this minimal scale the horseman's hunt is captured at its most dramatic moment, with all elements clearly revolving around the lion's crushing bite. RELATED LITERATURE
J. von Sandrart, Teutsche Academie der Edlen Bau-, Bild- und Mahlerey-Künste, Nuremberg, 1675, vol. III, p. 350, no. XXII; J. Pope-Hennessy, 'Some bronze statuettes by Francesco Fanelli', Essays on Italian Sculpture, London, 1968, pp. 166-71, fig. 192; H.R. Weihrauch, Europäische Bronzestatuetten. 16.-18. Jahrhundert, Braunschweig, 1967, pp. 236-7, fig. 286