FRANCESCO BARZAGHI (ITALIAN, 1839-1892)

The works of Francesco Barzaghi (d. 1892) at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia were extraordinarily described as ‘pure and elevating’, and La Vanarella is no less a testament to the artist’s prowess as a virtuoso sculptor. Known for his adept and exceptionally realistic carving of drapery, jewelry and other finite details, Barzaghi was a frequent exhibitor at the international exhibitions and always to great acclaim. However it was his masterwork Mosé Salvato Dalle Acque ('The Finding Of Moses'), sold Christie's, London, 6 March 2014, lot 100, at the Centennial Exhibition for which the sculptor is widely known.
Much like his contemporaries, Barzaghi progressed from biblical or allegorical subjects to depictions of childhood innocence, as in the subject of the present lot which depicts a young girl playing dress-up. Another example of La Vanerella is presently housed at Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret de Nice, France. A slight variant, depicting a young girl with a chignon, was sold at Christie's, New York, 16 April 2015, lot 158.