EMILIO ZOCCHI (ITALIAN, 1835-1913)

Depicting the young Michelangelo sculpting with hammer and chisel poised, this charming composition is one of a series of the subject exhibited by Emilio Zocchi and his brother Cesare. The premier version is in the Palazzo Pitti in Florence and others have sold, including one at Christie’s, 26 October 2000, lot 108 (£41,125).

Minor differences exist between the various examples known, primarily to do with the treatment of block of marble the young Michelangelo is carving. To other examples, the block is fronted by a shield depicting the Medici coat-of-arms. However, like the original in the Palazzo Pitti, the present lot has a naturally hewn stone front without the coat-of-arms.