A striking and very high quality Italian 19th century alabaster statue of the Greek goddess Ariadne seated on her panther signed P. Bazzanti Florence. The statue is raised by a rectangular base with a fine wrap around mottled border and... — Read More

A striking and very high quality Italian 19th century alabaster statue of the Greek goddess Ariadne seated on her panther signed P. Bazzanti Florence. The statue is raised by a rectangular base with a fine wrap around mottled border and wonderfully executed ground like design. Above is the beautiful Ariadne seated on her panther with her hair tied in a richly sculpted updo while holding an exceptional flowing garment. In Greek mythology, Ariadne was daughter to Minos, the son of Zeus. Associated with mazes and labyrinths because of her involvement in the myths of the Minotaur and Theseus. Shown here riding on one of her husband's, Dionysius God of wine and festivities, panthers. Wonderful attention to detail throughout.

Pietro Bazzanti (1842-1881), Son of the renowned sculptor Nicolò Bazzanti, 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, Ferdinando Vichi and Guglielmo Pugi, all of whom executed works bearing the inscription: Galleria Bazzanti. The gallery, originally Bazzanti's studio, was inaugurated in 1822 and is still open today. — Read Less