Zephyr, A Charming Albastre Statue — Italy, First Half Of The 18th Century

A rare and delicate alabaster statuette likely depicting Zephyr, the god of the west wind, portrayed as a young putto with butterfly wings rising above the clouds.

The figure, with a chubby body, strikes a light and airy pose: with his left leg raised and his face turned to the side, he appears to be suspended in midair. His curly hair, the delicate features of his face, and the particularly soft modeling of his body attest to the high quality of the craftsmanship.

In his left hand, Zephyr holds flowers and fruit. A garland of foliage and flowers encircles his waist, while delicate butterfly wings spread out behind him. The clouds that serve as his base are sculpted in an elegant interplay of curves and counter-curves, reinforcing the impression of flight.

The alabaster, slightly translucent in its thinnest parts, still bears some ancient traces of polychromy.

This depiction may also evoke a wind spirit, or even one of Aeolus’s sons. Its mythological subject, more unusual than the religious depictions commonly carved in alabaster in southern Italy, lends it particular interest.

An Italian work from the first half of the 18th century, possibly Sicilian, from the circles associated with the workshops of Trapani.

In good overall condition considering its age.

A few small chips and a missing piece at the tip of the right wing. The fine lines visible in the alabaster correspond to the natural veins of this soft stone and do not run through the entire piece.

A rare and charming 18th-century mythological sculpture, executed with great finesse and poetic sensibility.

Dimensions:

Height: 23 cm

Base diameter: approximately 8 cm

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