Seminal Italian Marble Figural Lamp by Giuseppe Bessi
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A seven foot eight important and seminal marble figural lamp 'Sogno Di Sposa', sculpted by Professor Giuseppe Bessi (Italian 1857-1922), late 19th century, in various marbles; castellina, scaglione, bordiglio and agate, the outstretched semi robed figure depicted with elated expression, the figure set upon integral base, 240 cm high (in four components). Literature: Professor Giuseppe Bessi studied at the Academy of fine arts in Florence at a pivotal time for Italian marble neoclassicism and Art Nouveau sculpture. In 1879 Bessi founded his own workshop in Volterra and mainly made busts and statues of alabaster, and various marbles. Bessi is regarded as one of the most important representatives of the Italian salon sculpture. During an exhibition Bessi opened in Rome in 1907 H.M.Queen of Italy made a personal inspection, during which she secured several original Bessi works. H.M the Queen was so delighted with the exhibition that she honoured the artist with a special badge of the Royal Family and appointed him 'Sculptor to the King & Queen of Italy'. Bessi was a director at the Art school of Volterra from 1891 to 1910 and taught there until his death. This institution is considered the only art school worldwide for alabaster art. It was established because, near Volterra, natural alabaster has been mined and processed since at least the sixth century BC. Bessi's alabaster artworks were exhibited and awarded at the World's Fair in Paris, Turin and St. Louis. His works were sold internationally with great economic success. Important museums today have works by Bessi, including the St. Petersburg Hermitage. The largest collection of his works can be found in the Museum of Volterra, the Ecomuseo dell'Alabastro. In appreciation of his achievements, a street was named after him in Florence.
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- School of .... - In the opinion of the cataloguer, a work by a pupil or follower of the artist.
- Agate - Agate is a type of semi-precious gemstone that is made up of silica dioxide, a mineral that is also found in quartz. It is known for its distinctive banded patterns, which are created as layers of silica are deposited in different colours including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. It is often used in jewellery, decorative objects, and other decorative items, and it is prized for its beauty and durability. Agate is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, India, and the United States.
- Alabaster - Alabaster is soft natural stone used for statuary, with a similar appearance to marble, but easier to work with. As it is softer than marble, an item made from alabaster can be scratched with a metal object, and an alabaster item does not polish to a high surface gloss like marble.
Alabaster objects can be semi-translucent. Alabaster occurs in a pure white form and also with veining from dirt. Colours vary from white through yellow and pink to brown. The veining is usually green or black but can be multicoloured.
Being semi-translucent, alabaster is often used for the bowls of figural lamps, with the figure itself being either alabaster or marble. - Art Nouveau Period - The Art Nouveau period was a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th century, and was characterized by its emphasis on natural forms, flowing lines, and a decorative, ornamental style. Art Nouveau was a reaction against the ornate and heavily stylized designs of the previous era, and sought to create a new, more organic aesthetic.
Art Nouveau was characterized by its use of sinuous, curving lines, as well as a focus on natural elements such as flowers, vines, and other organic shapes. Art Nouveau designers sought to create a total work of art, in which every element of a building or object was designed to be harmonious with the overall design.
Some of the most iconic examples of Art Nouveau design include the Paris Metro entrances designed by Hector Guimard, the works of the artist Alphonse Mucha, and the architecture of Victor Horta in Brussels.
The Art Nouveau period was at its peak between 1890 and 1910, but began to decline in popularity by the start of World War I. However, Art Nouveau remains an important influence on design and art to this day, and continues to be celebrated for its emphasis on natural forms and decorative style.
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