Bronze After Augusto Rivalta (Italian 1837 - 1925)

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Fine Arts, Antiques and Jewelry Online Auctio...

By Aspire Auctions

Feb 7, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-02-07 10:00:00 2025-02-15 14:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Arts, Antiques and Jewelry Online Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/aspire-auctions/fine-arts-antiques-and-jewelry-online-auction-17994
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• Lot Description
  Born in Alessandria Italy, little is known of Rivalta's early life and training. In 1859 he moved to Florence to study art, but was swept up in the patriotic movement of Italian unification. When hostilities ceased, Rivalta returned to Florence to resume his studies. His talent was was so great, he was able to absorb very quickly and utilize to perfection what he was taught. In just a few years, Rivalta's skill equaled his teachers, and his reputation could challenge more recognized sculptors in the process of selecting an an artist for public art projects. Due to his political involvements, commissions were steadily offered. His rise to fame was from his exquisite funerary memorials and public exhalations in art of political figures, primarily the leaders of the Risorgimento, the political movement Rivalta took part in. Rivalta's work was so outstanding, he was given a permanent position at the Academia di Belle Arti di Firenze. Ernest Hemingway upon viewing one of Rivalta's most celebrated works, referred to the art as the "eighth wonder of the world". This bronze is one of his classical heroic depictions; that being Penthesilea, the queen of the Amazons, the moment in combat against the Greeks at Troy in which her steed dies, and according to myth, she is overwhelmed and is killed by Achilles. Legend has it that she wore a gold belt, and her spearpoint was made from an exotic Atlantian material called Orachalcum. Achilles is said to have fallen in love with her as the final thrust of his spear pierced her throat. After her death he cradled her corpse in his arms and mourned her to the point of obsession. Stamped on the reverse field behind the character is "made in Italy" and signed "A. Rivalta". Gross weight is 61 pounds.

  Condition

  Bronze is very good overall. Marble has some edge chips and age discoloration. Spear is not original to art. The original mounting bolts have been removed, studs can be brazed to the art if the buyer desires the base and art secured as one element.