Lot 56: Gaetano Russo , Italian b. 1852 Judith white Carrara marble

signed G. Russo Roma to the circular naturalistic base white Carrara marble

measurements height: 5 ft. 7 3/4 in. alternate measurements 172 cm

Gaetano Russo began his studies as a sculptor in Messina, moving to Rome in 1863 to work under the guidance of Monteverde and Masini. In 1890, he won a competition at the Policlinico in Rome and in 1906 made the bas-reliefs for the Chamber of Commerce in Messina. He was also active in New York, creating the monument to Columbus. The present sculpture is a representation of Judith, the Jewish heroine who bravely decapitated the Assyrian general, Holofernes. The Assyrians had laid siege to the Jewish city of Bethulia and Judith went to the enemy camp claiming to have deserted her people in order to gain access to the ruler's camp. Holofernes became enamoured with her and when they were alone she seized his sword and cut off his head, fleeing with her maid. Once his murder was discovered, the Assyrians fled, pursued by the Israelites. Judith is depicted here the moment after she struck Holofernes, his sword at her side and her foot on his helmet, a fierce look in her eye. Another life size marble sculpture by Gaetano Russo was sold in these rooms, April 25, 2006, lot 70, $ 192,000.