Pair Of Black Stone Bas-reliefs – Italy, Late 18th–early 19th Century

A rare pair of black stone panels with a very fine grain, carved in bas-relief with Bacchic scenes featuring numerous putti.Both compositions depict a succession of nude children engaged in various games and activities centered around the vineyard and the grape harvest: grape clusters, baskets, bundles of foliage, drapery, and ornamental elements intermingle in a rich and particularly lively composition.The quality of the modeling, along with the rendering of the figures’ anatomy, hair, and foliage, attests to a work of fine sculptural craftsmanship. The frieze-like design, with figures deliberately extending beyond the composition’s frame, follows the tradition of Florentine Renaissance reliefs, particularly in the lineage of the works of Donatello and Bertoldo di Giovanni.The panels are carved from a compact black stone, left unpolished on the reverse sides, showing traces of ancient cutting and carving. They are set in mahogany frames added later.This pair reflects European collectors’ taste for Italian Renaissance models, which were particularly sought after in the context of the Grand Tour, when travelers brought back from Italy works and objects inspired by the great Florentine and Roman collections. Italy, circa 1780–1830.Fine quality carving. Good overall condition, with wear and patina consistent with its age.
Previous restoration on one of the plaques. Dimensions with frames: 30 cm x 17 cm. Dimensions of the plaques: 21.5 cm x 9 cm