Ancient Venetian Moor sculpture, Venice, early eighteenth century

Ancient sculpture by Venetian Moretto
Venetian sculptor, early eighteenth century

Carved, lacquered and gilded wood
155 cm height.

Good general condition, old repaints

Original wooden sculpture depicting a Venetian Moor, wearing a cobalt blue livery, a white striped turban and a kilt with feathers tied at the waist and resting on a rock-shaped base. Emblem of the Venetian sculptural tradition, depicted in a standing position while holding a flowered cornucopia in his hands.

The work is original from the early 700th century, not one of the copies which, although pleasant, were made in a later period. Entirely original and excellently preserved, it has some repaintings. It is made entirely of wood carved in black lacquer, with golden details, and finished in polychrome.

Observing the shape of the carving, the sculpture in question evokes the works created in Florence in particular by Jacopo Maria Foggini, and documented already in the second half of the seventeenth century. Characteristics of secular Venetian furnishings between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, these statues also spread to other regions.

We know that some of them were made in Florence in the 80s by the carver Jacopo Maria Foggini and Baldassarre Permoser. The still Foginian typology in certain solutions of the carving in the base and on the bud date these examples to the first half of the XNUMXth century.

The history of the Moors, which has its roots in the Middle Ages with the tradition of jewellery, extends in the eighteenth century, during the maximum splendor of the power of the rich maritime republic, to all other areas of art, especially sculpture and jewellery.

Emblem of the power of the Serenissima and a status of well-being, wealth and power designed to celebrate the supremacy of the Republic over the seas of the Mediterranean, the figure of the Moor therefore becomes the main decoration for the ballrooms of the sumptuous halls of the Serenissima.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, by appointment; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian customers it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which requires approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until obtaining it. All costs of this operation are included.

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