A RARE CARVED ROSSO ANTICO MASK IN THE MANNER OF BENEDETTO BOSCHETTI (1820-1860), ITALIAN

A RARE CARVED ROSSO ANTICO MASK IN THE MANNER OF BENEDETTO BOSCHETTI (1820-1860) ITALIAN, LATE 19TH CENTURY The mask or 'mascaron' of Greek theatrical form, set on a polished black marble base overall height 56cm, base 18cm wide, 13.5cm deep Provenance: Daniel Katz Ltd. London, where purchased by Count Manfredi della Gherardesca Benedetto Boschetti (active c.1820-1870) exhibited at the Crystal Palace Exhibition 1851 where he won a medal for a pair of mosaic tables in the Byzantine style, representing the Triumph of Love and the Blessed Soul. The Boschetti workshop at 74 Via Condotti, Rome, was renowned for the exceptional quality of its copies, mostly in marble of Antique vases and objects, for example a rosso antico reduction of the Warwick vase in the Toledo Museum, Ohio (A. Gonzalez-Palacios, Il Tempo del Gusto, Roma e il Regno delle Duo Sicilie, Milan, 1984, Vol II, fig.286). F.S. Bonfigli noted in 1856 that 'The Establishment is particularly conspicuous for its great variety of marble works, bronzes, etc.' (A. Gonzalez-Palacios, The Art of Mosaics, 1982, p.166). Pieces by Boschetti are in many public and private collections, including that of Mario Praz, the famous Italian critic and connoisseur (now held in the Museo Mario Praz, Rome). In Greek theatre of the third and second century BC, all performers, except musicians, wore masks. A full-face character mask would probably originally have been in painted, starched linen when worn on the stage. Much admired- these masks were often reproduced in stone, terracotta or, occasionally as here, in more expensive marbles. Perhaps the best known collection, now housed in the Cortile del Belvedere, Vatican Museums, adorned the odeon (theatre) at Hadrian's Villa. The Grand Tour saw a considerable rise in interest and use of the mask as a decorative device- reaching its apogee in the work of Thomas Hope. In part the interest was driven with the publication in the mid-18th century of "Le Maschere Sceniche e le Figure Comiche d'Antichi Romani" by Francesco de' Ficoroni (1664-1747). Condition Report: Wear, marks, knocks and scratches as per age, handling, use, and cleaning. There has been discussion as to whether this may be slightly later in date (early 20th century) but no consensus of opinion. Some natural flaws to stone- notably to his left temple. Glue residues around plinth to base attachment underneath. Some mile base edge wear Please see additional images for visual references to condition which form part of this condition report. All lots are available for inspection and Condition Reports are available on request. However, all lots are of an age and type which means that they may not be in perfect condition and should be viewed by prospective bidders; please refer to Condition 6 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers. This is particularly true for garden related items. All lots are offered for sale "as viewed" and subject to the applicable Conditions of Business for Buyer's condition, which are set out in the sale catalogue and are available on request. Potential buyers should note that condition reports are matters of opinion only, they are non-exhaustive and based solely on what can be seen to the naked eye unless otherwise specified by the cataloguer. We must advise you that we are not professional restorers or conservators and we do not provide any guarantee or warranty as to a lot's condition. Accordingly, it is recommended that prospective buyers inspect lots or have their advisors do so and satisfy themselves as to condition and accuracy of description. If you have physically viewed an item for which you request a report, the condition report cannot be a reason for cancelling a sale. Buyers are reminded that liability for loss and damage transfers to the buyer from the fall of the hammer. Whilst the majority of lots will remain in their location until collected, we can accept no responsibility for any damage which may occur, even in the event of Dreweatts staff assisting carriers during collection. Condition Report Disclaimer