Bidspirit auction | A PAIR OF CARVED WOODEN

A PAIR OF CARVED WOODEN FIGURES: ALLEGORIES OF WINTER AND SUMMER, VENECE, 18TH CENTURY - A refined pair of allegorical figures finely carved in the round, representing Winter and Summer, two of the Seasons, executed in the lively Rococo idiom of 18th-century Venetian decorative sculpture. The female figure, symbolizing Summer, holds a woven basket overflowing with fruit and flowers, her graceful pose accentuated by sweeping drapery and an open-bodied robe revealing movement and elegance. Her male counterpart, Winter, is dressed in a voluminous cloak and fur-lined cap, clutching a bundle suggestive of firewood or pinecones while bracing against the cold. The carver demonstrates a masterful command of proportion and gesture: the surfaces are animated with crisp folds, intricate details, and rhythmic contrasts of light and shadow. Works of this type once adorned the interior boiseries or console ensembles of Venetian palazzi, often produced in specialized workshops catering to noble patrons seeking allegorical ornamentation. Comparable examples can be found in the Museo Correr, Venice, and in private Venetian collections, attributed to the circle of Giuseppe Torretti (1664–1743) and Antonio Corradini (1688–1752), whose studios produced elegant wood sculpture alongside marble commissions. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Please note that this lot is located in Europe and will be shipped to the winner from our European warehouse. Dimensions: Female figure (Summer): 11 in., (28 cm.) high. Male figure (Winter): 11 1/2 in., (29 cm.) high Condition: Both sculptures are preserved in very good condition, with minor surface abrasions and small age cracks consistent with the period. Slight wear to extremities and faint evidence of historical wax polish; no visible restorations. The natural fruitwood patina has matured to a warm golden-brown tone.