Antonio G. Lanzirotti (1839-1921) "primavera" Carrara Marble 93 Cm

Representation
This sculpture depicts a young woman embodying Flora / Spring, symbol of reborn nature, light and the gentle breath of life. The figure stands in a soft contrapposto: the body subtly twisted at the waist, the right leg stepping forward, and the torso gently turning in the opposite direction. This pose creates a sense of movement, characteristic of late 19th-century Italian academic sculpture inspired by Canova and Bartolini.

Face
The young woman’s face, serene and contemplative, is modelled with remarkable softness. The eyes – crafted following the distinctive Carrara technique, with a slight indentation marking the pupil – give her gaze a vivid and lifelike presence (occhio vivo).

Drapery
The swirling fabric forms an elegant spiral around the figure, enveloping the body while revealing its anatomical structure. This compositional device is typical of Lanzirotti, who masterfully combined the weight of dynamic drapery with the lightness of the female form. The folds are sculpted with great virtuosity: some thin and almost translucent, flowing over the hip, others deep and shadowed, creating rhythmic articulations. Enhanced by the play of light on polished Statuario Venato marble, the whole composition evokes movement frozen at its most expressive moment, as if the wind were lifting the drapery in a dancing gesture.

Material
The sculpture is carved from Carrara Statuario Venato marble, quarried in the Apuan Alps. This marble, with its delicate veining and milky white tone, was traditionally favoured by masters of the Carrara school (Canova, Tenerani, Lanzirotti). Its fine grain and semi-translucent structure allow for soft light transitions, creating the characteristic “skin-like” effect of academic sculpture from this period.

Style and context
The work represents mature Italian academicism of the late 19th century, combining classical harmony with the romantic expression of movement. The spiral composition (figura serpentinata) and the refined modelling clearly reflect influences from Canova and the Florentine realist school. Antonio G. Lanzirotti, a highly regarded Carrara sculptor, exhibited in Milan, Rome and London. His allegorical works – Flora, Aurora, Primavera and The Dance – are now part of numerous private and museum collections throughout Europe.

Condition and authenticity
The hand-engraved signature “LANZIROTTI” at the lower part of the base confirms authenticity. The sculpture is in very good condition, with a natural surface patina. The delicate modelling of the eyes, hands and drapery suggests an autograph or workshop-level execution by Antonio G. Lanzirotti himself (Carrara, c. 1880–1900).

Dimensions:
Height - 93 cm
Width - 34 cm
Depth - 30 cm
Base diameter - 28 cm