Posted 11 years ago
hookbadger
(2 items)
I inherited this lamp from my grandparents. It is approximately 34" in height and sits on a green marble pedestal. The pedestal rotates and is 42" in height. She is missing a finger on her right hand. The story is that two of my uncles were having a mock sword fight, got over zealous and chopped it off! She has been carved from alabaster (face, hands and breasts) and marble. Supposedly alabaster will darken when exposed to the oils in your hands. That probably explains why her breasts are somewhat darker. Those naughty uncles again! The piece is signed "F. Vichi /Vichy Florence.
amazing! looks like Egyptian revival Deco form the '20s. Seems made for a theater or something - have you any idea where your grandparent's got it?
Thanks Hunter! This came to my grandmother from her parents who had received it from as a gift from their son Nelson McLeary. He was an artist living in Europe during WWI and WWII .
what great history, thanks for sharing. :)
Federico Vichi (pronounced 'veekee') was born in 1875 and died 1944/1945. He morked chiefly in Florence and had a well renowned studio there specialising in alabaster.
She's a stunner!
I've had a further look and there seems to be confusion as to whether he was Federico or Ferdinando even Fernando.
"Ferdinando Vichi was a central figure in the production of Florentine sculpture at the end of the 19th century. He is associated with the sculptors Cesare Lapini, Pietro Bazzanti and Guglielmo Pugi, all of whom executed works at The Galleria Bazzanti. The gallery, originally Bazzanti's studio, was inaugurated in 1822 and is still open today. 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. The English inscription "Made in Italy" suggests the present sculpture was carved for export to England or America. Historicising romantic subjects were very popular in Italian sculpture of the late 19th century."
http://www.jansantiques.com/Lot/jac1643.html
Keep it with the green marble pedestal.
Perhaps it is not just alabaster.
It look to be a fine compilation of stone.
It may not be a case of naughty uncles but a fine choice of stone.
Perhaps others might comment but I think there is Siena marble rather than than the handmarks.
I would like to see what it looks like while illuminated. You received one heck of an inheritance!
What a treasure. Enjoy. The only thing better than owning a lamp like this is owning a lamp like this that has been passed down to you through your family.
Sincerely,
Lisa