Cesare Lapini (1848-1893)
La Sorprese
White Carrara marble
Italy, 1882
Height 130 cm
Signed, dated and titled on the side of the base:
C.Lapini.Firenze..82
Excellent condition
Surprised
A captivating marble sculpture that exemplifies the artist’s skill in creating lifelike and emotionally evocative works.
The sculpture depicts a young woman in a moment of surprise. She is partially disrobed, with a delicate and graceful pose that captures the fleeting nature of the emotion. Her expression is one of astonishment, with wide eyes and slightly parted lips, as if she has just encountered something unexpected.
The intricate details of her hair, clothing, and the folds of fabric add to the realism and beauty of the piece.
Realism and emotion
Lapini’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the lifelike rendering of the woman’s features and the delicate textures of her clothing and hair.
The sculpture captures a specific moment of surprise, showcasing Lapini’s ability to convey complex emotions through facial expressions and body language.
The work reflects classical influences, with its idealized beauty and graceful composition, reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.
The marble is polished to a smooth finish, enhancing the sculpture’s elegance and the play of light on its surfaces.
Allegorical subject
Cesare Lapini was known for his allegorical and genre subjects, often creating compositions that combined classical beauty with a touch of modern sensibility. “La Sorpresa” is a prime example of his ability to blend technical mastery with emotional depth, making it a standout piece in his oeuvre.
Provenance
Private collection US
Literature
- Alfonso Panzetta, "Nuovo Dizionario degli scultori Italiani dell’ottocento e del primo novecento", G. Canale & C. spa, Borgaro, 2003, p.513
- Vicenzo Vicario “Gli Scultori Italiani” pub. Il Panierio
- E. Benezit “Dictionnaire des Peintres
Cesare Lapini (1848-1893)
19th century Florence was the centre for a highly productive school of sculptors whose work was widely sought after throughout Europe, and latterly the United States.
Inspiration
This group of figurative sculptors included Ezio Ceccarelli (1865-1927), Vittorio Caradossi (b.1861), Filippo Gnaccarini (1804-1875), Fernando Vichi and Cesare Lapini, their work heavily influenced by that of the neo-classical sculptor Antonio Canova 1757-1822.
Carreer
Cesare Lapini was born in Florence in 1848. He became one of the leading sculptors of his generation producing works in marble including allegorical works, copies after the Antique, genre subjects, and portrait busts. These he sold with great success along with works by his contemporaries in his gallery in Florence, to travellers on the Grand Tour, which, from having been limited in the 18th century to the aristocracy and minor royalty now included the wealthy bourgeois from Britain, Germany, Russia, France and of course the United States. He exhibited a number of sculptures at the ‘Esposizione Generale Italiana di Torino’ in 1884, including “Sorpresa” and “Il primo bacio”, also exhibiting in Rome in 1888.
Technically refined
Lapini was widely admired for the delicacy and refinement of his technique, the fine patina and the emotional quality with which he imbued his figurative work. He was highly successful both as a sculptor and as the owner of a gallery retailing sculpture throughout Europe and the United States.
Museums
- Brighton Museum & Art Gallery in Brighton, UK, which holds his work "Quanto ti vo bene (Italian Shepherd Boy)"
- Williamson Art Gallery & Museum in Birkenhead, UK, which has his piece "Amore del Mare"
- And more