Ferdinando Vicchi

MEASUREMENTS measurements figure height 4 ft. 11 in.; pedestal height 32 1/2 in. alternate measurements 144.5 cm; 82.5 cm DESCRIPTION signed F. Vichi. white Carrara marble, raised on a black and white marble steppedcolumnar pedestal CATALOGUE NOTE Ferdinando Vichi was one of the talented band of Tuscansculptors associated with the Bazzanti gallery in Florence. Hiswork in marble and alabaster demonstrates his high technicalability, particularly here with the figure's sensual female curvesand sly smile.

measurements height 60 in. alternate measurements 152.4 cm signed F. Vichi / Firenze white marble, raised on a spreading white marble base CATALOGUE NOTE Vichi was part of the talented band of Tuscan sculptors associated with the Bazzanti Gallery in Florence. His compositions are varied in subject matter, ranging from busts after the Antique to orientalist themes and Renaissance-inspired models. Like many other late nineteenth-century sculptors, Vichi often took inspiration from classical antiquity, as with this sea nymph emerging from the waves. However, the present model is based less on an acknowledged academic example and relies much more on the artist's imaginative idealization of sensual female curves and a sly smile. Though a somewhat flirtatious subject, this work in white marble demonstrates a high technical virtuosity, particularly in Vichi's mastery of facial expression, modeling of form, and the drapery-like decorations of the lapping waves. Often such sculptural considerations were intended to serve primarily as structural support for the overall work, yet Vichi makes daring choices. The nymph's arm rising above her head to clasp a conch shell was a challenging element of the composition, as were the cascading curves of the wave tips and flowing hair--such elements could easily have crumbled or cracked under less accomplished hands. Set free from a block of stone, this otherworldly beauty emerges to announce the talents of her creator, inviting an audience to enjoy her tactile splendor.

signed: F. Vichi white marble, on red marble column with white veining Ferdinando Vichi was one of the talented band of Tuscan sculptor's associated with the Bazzanti gallery in Florence. His work in marble and alabaster demonstrates his high technical ability, particularily evident in the exquisite articulation of Cupid's wings and the flowers swirling around the couple's feet. Vichi's compositions range from busts after the Antique to orientalist themes and Renaissance-inspired models. The present composition of winged Cupid delicately holding Psyche as he kisses her is Vichi's most tender evocation of an ancient myth. RELATED LITERATURE Panzetta, vol. 2, p. 953

A ITALIAN ALABASTER ALLEGORICAL BUST REPRESENTING SCULPTURE BY FERDINANDO VICHI, LATE 19TH EARLY 20TH CENTURY Inscribed 'Vichi, Florence' inventory number '174' 27in. (68.6cm.) high Provenance Christie's, London, 14 May 1987, lot 224. Literature View Lot Condition Report F.Russell ed., The Loyd Collection of Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture, revised edition 1991, p.59, no.174.

FERDINANDO VICHI (XIX-XX) - A NYMPH BORNE BY A WAVE -
Mis: figure: 150cm., 59in. column: 86.5cm., 34in.
signed: F. VICHI / Firenze white marble, on a green marble column with revolving top (2)

CATALOGUE NOTE
A detail of this marble is illustration on the frontispiece at the beginning of the catalogue.