'The First Cradle', antique Italian marble sculpture by Franchi

Sold

This item is no longer available.

Please contact Mayfair Gallery, via the link below, if you would like us to help you source a similar product.

Questions about this piece?

Description

After the original by  Auguste-Hyacinthe De Bay, signed  'A. Debay / Franchi Sc' to the base; the marble expertly carved depicting Eve embracing her two young boys, Cain and Abel.

Known as 'Le Berceau Primitif' ('The First Cradle'), this stunning antique marble by Franchi was carved after the original French model by Auguste-Hyacinthe De Bay. De Bay's tender work depicted the Old Testament figure of Eve gently embracing her two young sons, Cain and Abel, in a sensitive homage to the Biblical family as described in Genisis 4:1-15. De Bay's famous work was first unveiled in 1845 at the Paris Salon (work no. 2070), where the sculpture was immediately met with huge critical acclaim. The work was later displayed at the Exposition Universelle of 1855 in Paris (work no. 4314), where it was acquired by the celebrated Russian collector, Prince Anatoly Nikolaievich Demidoff. Prince Demidoff later sold the beautiful sculpture from the Villa San Donato near Florence in 1870. The original marble's whereabouts remain unknown, although it is thought to reside in a private collection.

Owing to its success with the public, collectors and critics alike, 'The First Cradle' has been reproduced and copied by several artists throughout the years. However, there are few renditions so expert as the present one by Franchi.

Details

Country of Origin
Italian
Date of Manufacture
c.1880
Period
19th Century
Style
Biblical, Figurative Art
Material
Marble
Colour
White

Dimensions

Height
82 cm / 32.3 inches
Width
48 cm / 18.9 inches
Depth
28 cm / 11 inches

Reference:
14946

Free International Shipping

This item qualifies for free international shipping, inclusive of professional packing and insurance.
Terms and conditions apply.