Bidspirit auction | Attributed To Francesco Toso (Italian,

Attributed To Francesco Toso (Italian, Died 1893) - A LATE 19C CARVING OF 'MRS. DEVIL' ATTR FRANCESCO TOSO. Attributed To Francesco Toso (Italian, Died 1893) Marguerite, wife of Mephistopheles - Mrs. Devil Circa 1880-1890 The Venetian carved wood figure depicts the Mephistophelean character 'Mrs. Devil' (Marguerite), inspired by the German Faust legend. The full-length figure is intricately carved from fruitwood and pine, featuring a variety of devilish masks and motifs in a combination of natural wood tones, ebonized elements, and original painted or stained details intensified by her outstanding glow of patina. She is depicted in classic late Victorian attire, including a high-collared jacket with applied wood buttons, pockets fronted by grotesque masks and laced bodice carved in excellent detail. Apparently original, an exotic brass and nickel necklace is draped below her neck. She wears a fanciful pillbox sort of hat and striped bustle skirt with fringed trim accented by a hip drape wrap with detailed fringe. Her expression is characteristically sardonic, accented by inset glass eyes and a single hoop earring. In her left hand, she holds a slender wand or rod (apparently the original with matching stain, color and patina), while her right hand is upraised, adorned with a brass ring featuring a inset paste stone. The figure stands atop an integrated, carved octagonal lighted pedestal base detailed with repeating geometric and foliate motifs in relief. The delightful vamps of her shoes are carved grinning satyr masks. The Winterthur Museum Library holds a publication that lists Francesco Toso of Venice Italy (the same Toso family famous for Murano glass blowing) as having displayed 'Artwork -- Wood Carvings' at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Various other sources state that Francesco Toso officially exhibited his wood carvings of Marguerite and Mephistopheles at the Exposition, where he passed away during the run of the fair. A similar pair featuring both Mr. and Mrs. Devil (Mephistopheles and Marguerite) formerly owned by the fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli realized more than €180,000 at Christie's in Paris in 2018. Measures 65 x 16 x 16 inches. The figure alone measures 45 inches. Without proof of exemption, be aware that internet sales tax applies to all Internet transactions and local sales tax may apply to local pick-up transactions. We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell. Until further notice, we cannot offer international shipping in-house. Dimensions Measures 65 x 16 x 16 inches. Condition Very good original condition with a very few minor replacements. Beginning at the top, very light wear and very minor abrasions to the high points of the hat, a shallow chip 1/2 inch long to one edge, old repairs to the pronounced collar edge include an area behind her proper left shoulder in a V shape approximately 1.5 inches deep and wide filled and colored to the surrounding area but visible. On her proper right, the collar with minor repairs filled to match the finish but visible. No damage to the lace cuffs on her sleeves, one broken little finger on her left hand repaired with what appears to be a replacement. The staff in her left hand appears original. Her proper right hand with a repaired break to the thumb, but with the original still in place, no replacement. Repair to the original little finger on that hand, no replacement. No other major damage or repair. Intact eyes, no chips or repairs to the backside. All but one of the front buttons appears to be a replacement. Original buttons encircle her waist, no loss to the edges of her jacket, very good original paint throughout her two-toned skirt. Minor wear to the high points of her shoes and one small chip on the tongue of a vamp. The original integral base with original finish and very minor effects of age, including minor glue reinforcement to two corner lattice panels. Very good overall condition with warm patina and nice polish to the completely original untouched surface. No major damage or replacement. Provenance Descended through a prominent New York family, previous owners of Glass House Farm, an 18th century home on the Hudson River,