FERNAND CIANCIANI called FERNAND CIAN
Italy/France, 1889-1954

"Comtesse D'Artois, Maria Theresa of Savoy"

Executed in the first quarter of the 20th century
Signed "Fernand Cian 1776" to shoulder, signed "Comptesse D'Artois" verso
Patinated terracotta over marble socle

14" H x 3 7/8" base diameter x 7" W

This terracotta bust depicts Marie Thérèse of Savoy, Comtesse d’Artois, wife of Charles Philippe, Comte d’Artois, later King Charles X of France. The fabulous casting captures the essence of the 18th century models, the bust of a superb quality. Note the fresh and tangible nature of the surface, capturing Cian's stylus as it worked the material, his raised signature feeling to the touch like it had just pushed the wax away. Fingerprints and other workings of the surface are perfectly captured in the material. Her youthful face, high coiffure and loosely draped bodice are modeled with a deliberate softness; the unglazed terracotta surface is beautifully patinated. Raised on the original shaped sienna marble base.

Fernando Cian, born Fernando Cianciani in Carrara, worked in France and built his reputation through finely finished terracottas and bronzes in the early 20th century. He studied in Paris under Laporte Blairsy and Alexandre Falguière, exhibited repeatedly at the Salon des Artistes Français between 1907 and 1928, and received an honorable mention in 1921. His work moves between Art Nouveau inflection and an evident sympathy for 18th century French models. Works by Cian are in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art where his terracotta Cupid was acquired with Museum funds in 1944 and remains in the permanent collection, and in the Musée d'Orsay.

Condition: Rubbing and wear to the patina, minor abrasions. A fine presentation, ready to place.

ref. 603NYP31P