Rare pair of seated-child marble sculptures by Cesare Lapini

Modelled as a seated young boy and girl, and each titled to the front 'Volere e Potere' (Where there's a will there's a way) and 'Chi S'Aiuta Dio L'Aiuta' (God helps he who helps himself) these superb marble sculptures were made by the Floretine artist Cesare Lapini.

Active in the late 19th century, Lapini was one of a number of highly skilled and prolific sculptors in Florence influenced by the Neoclassical master Canova. Making a number of allegorical, genre, and mythological figures primarily for the wealthy elite on the Grand Tour of Italy, Lapini is particularly acclaimed for the superb textures and surface qualities he was able to achieve in his marble works.

These pieces, a charming pair of allegorical children, are no exception, and demonstrate his great poise and delicate touch in the way he carved his marble works. Very rare indeed as a pair, they are superb representatives of this great and highlyy active school of sculptors in 19th century Firenze.

Each signed, situated and dated 'C. Lapini / Firenze 1888.'

Boy: height 71cm, width 32cm, depth 41cm
Girl: height 71cm, width 33cm, depth 35cm