Alabaster Sculpture: "Arrotino, the Knife Grinder"
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Description
19th century copy of the original Hellenistic sculpture of Arrotino, the Knife Grinder. The original marble statue was discovered in Rome during the 16th century and acquired by Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici in 1578. It was eventually installed in the Tribuna of the Uffizi in 1688. The figure was much admired and imitated by later artists. Most notably, Giovanni Battista Foggini made a marble copy for Versailles in 1684 (Louvre, inv. no. M.R. 1853), and Massimiliano Soldani-Benzi made a bronze version for the Duke of Marlborough in 1710 (formerly Blenheim Palace). The sculpture was variously interpreted by 16th and 17th century scholars. A popular view characterized the crouching figure as a serf overhearing a political conspiracy in Rome. It is now widely believed to be a Roman copy of a Hellenistic work representing the Scythian executioner of the satyr Marsyas, sharpening his knife in preparation for the flaying (op. cit., p. 156). [18 x 16 x 10 inches]. Head has been broken and repaired; knife and two fingers repaired; octagonal base broken and needs repair.
Condition
Head has been broken and repaired; knife and two fingers repaired; octagonal base broken and needs repair.
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Alabaster Sculpture: "Arrotino, the Knife Grinder"
Estimate $300 - $400
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Item located in Glen Cove, NY, usSee Policy for Shipping
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