Lorenzo Bartolini Tazza & Column

Lorenzo Bartolini

An exceptional Neo-Classical tazza and column, this distinguished marble sculpture was masterfully crafted by Lorenzo Bartolini in early nineteenth-century Italy. With its elegant proportions and refined details, the piece is testament to Bartolini’s technical brilliance and the grandeur of the period’s sculptural art.

Origin: Italy
Date: Circa 1810
Material: Statuary marble

Dimensions:
Tazza Height: 35 cm (13.7 in)
Tazza Width: 68 cm (26.7 in)
Tazza Depth: 59 cm (23.2 in)
Column Height: 105 cm (41.3 in)
Column Width: 36 cm (14.2 in)
Column Depth: 36 cm (14.2 in)

Condition: Minor restorations, with the original patina preserved

This Neo-Classical tazza stands as a notable example of Italian marble sculpting from the period, comparable to esteemed pieces held in prominent collections. A similar tazza, of the same model, graces the celebrated Sculpture Hall at Chatsworth House, linking this example directly to some of Britain’s most revered historical interiors. Thought to be the smaller of a pair commissioned by William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire during his Grand Tour, it encapsulates the refined tastes of Britain’s aristocratic collectors in the early 1800s.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite Craftsmanship: The entire tazza, including the intricately entwined snake handles, has been carved from a single block of statuary marble, showcasing Bartolini’s mastery over his medium.
• Design Significance: Evoking classical antiquity, the sculpted forms reflect the harmony and balance quintessential to Neo-Classical design, while the sinuous snake motif lends an arresting visual flourish.
• Collecting Value: Not only is this a rare surviving work by the eminent Bartolini, but its documented provenance—commissioned directly by a prominent nobleman—adds exceptional historical depth and desirability.
• Practical Value: Substantial yet elegantly proportioned, this marble sculpture is ideal both for display in a refined interior and as the centrepiece of a serious collection focused on Neo-Classical or nineteenth-century marble artwork.

Combining superb craftsmanship, compelling provenance, and undeniable decorative impact, this Lorenzo Bartolini marble tazza represents a jewel of early nineteenth-century Italian art, certain to fascinate collectors and connoisseurs of fine Neo-Classical sculpture.

Chatsworth Gallery Photo @India Hobson