Cupid Marble Bust by Odoardo Fantacchiotti (Italian, 1811-1877)

Our exceptional marble bust of Cupid by Odoardo Fantacchiotti (1811-1877) measures 15.5 in (39.4 cm) tall, 14 in (35.5 cm) wide, and 7 in (17.8 cm) deep. In good condition, with surface dirt, scratches and nicks.  Rear signed "Prof. O. Fantacchiotti" in script.

The artist was born in Rome but moved to Florence as a child with his family where he attended Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze.  He studied under Stefano Ricci (1765-1837). His first exhibition was in 1828 and by 1840 was named a professor at the academy. He was an admirer of Canova and Bartolini. He created a number of large works for public display, including a statue of Boccaccio and Accursius displayed in the courtyard of the Uffizi, medallions honoring Francesco Redi and the bust of Ferdinando II de' Medici for the Museo della Specola, a statue of Sallustio Bandini (now at the Accademia dei Georgofili, but initially planned for the loggia of the Uffizi), and a marble relief of the virgin and child, now in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, among others. His son, Cesare Fantacciotti (1844-1922) was also highly admired, and works by both artists are widely collected and have appeared at major auction.

Notable auction sales of works by O. Fantacchiotti include:

Lot 267 of Christie's sale in London on March 28, 2006, a 47 inch tall work in marble depicting a girl with dog, sold for 28,800 BP.

Lot 211 of Sotheby's sale in New York on October 29, 2014, a 48 inch work in marble depicting a girl protecting her puppy from a snake, sold for $50,000.

Lot 126 of Sotheby's sale in London on November 16, 2006, a 19 inch bust in marble depicting a renaissance female, sold for 5,400 BP.