Diana

myminifactory

Antonio Frilli was first recorded as exhibiting at the Espozione Nationale di Roma in 1883. He worked primarily in marble and was active in the last two decades of the 19th century producing decorative and technically brilliant sculptures of contemporary subjects. Known for his superb skill, he belonged to a tradition of distinguished Italian sculptors that included Pietro Bazzanti, Cesare Lapini and Cesare Fantacchiotti. His successful workshop in Florence produced elegant compositions and decorative work for the international market. In the present sculpture, Frilli demonstrates his gift as a virtuoso carver in the meticulously rendered curls in her hair, the sheer swathe of drapery covering her mid section and her supple skin. The ethereal figure of the moon goddess, Diana, stands on her toes which have begun their transformation into the roots of a tree. The crescent moon supports her while she coquettishly covers herself. The orb below the billowing clouds is emblazoned with the signs of the zodiac.   (Credit: Sotheby's)