Venice, 19th century

Carved, lacquered and gilded/silvered wood

Total height 202 cm (column base 82 cm, figure 120 cm)

This is a qualitative wooden sculpture depicting a Moor with a female subject, emblem of the Venetian sculptural tradition, depicted in a standing position while holding a flowering cornucopia with his hands. The figure is placed on a base in the form of a draped cylindrical column, also made of wood, supported by four iron feet.

The work is made entirely of wood carved in black lacquer, with gold and silver-plated details, and finished in polychrome.

The history of the Moors has its roots in the Middle Ages and then extended in the 18th century, during the height of the power of the rich maritime republic, to all other spheres of art, especially sculpture, resulting in true masterpieces of tradition.

As an emblem of the power of the Serenissima and a status of wealth, wealth and power celebrating the supremacy of the Republic over the seas of the Mediterranean, the figure of the Moor thus became the main decoration for the ballrooms of the sumptuous salons of the Serenissima, from nude sculpted slaves to beautiful servants dressed in gold and polychrome robes.

As our work testifies, the production of such sculptural works did not stop in the 18th century but continued into the following century, transforming its essence from 'status symbol' of the rich Venetian aristocracy to décor for many European residences, becoming a sort of souvenir for wealthy foreigners who, after visiting Venice, wanted to possess a valuable object.

The state of preservation is good, with some signs of time and old restuarion, which do not detract from its beauty and solidity.