Large Sculpture ‘slave’, Attributed To Luigi De Luca (1857-1938) Circa 1892/1893

Large plaster sculpture depicting a seated nude young woman, entitled ‘Slave for Sale’ and attributed to Luigi DE LUCA (Naples 1857-1938).

An identical sculpture can be found at the Musap Museum in Naples.

This work was exhibited at the Società Promotrice di Belle Arti di Napoli (Naples Society for the Promotion of Fine Arts) in 1893, awarded a prize by Domenico Morelli, then commissioned in bronze by Victor Emmanuel.

Resting on a grey-painted wooden base.
19th century, circa 1892/1893.
Dimensions: H: 100 cm W: 100 cm D: 80 cm Base: H: 80 cm

Biography:

Luigi De Luca was born in Naples in 1857 into a wealthy family originally from Licusati, who sacrificed two lives during the revolutionary uprisings in Cilento in 1828.
In retaliation, the Bourbon authorities confiscated a large part of his family's property, leaving them in a precarious financial situation.
The eldest of four brothers, he quickly abandoned his studies to devote himself to more lucrative activities, while following his natural vocation for art in general.
At the Institute of Fine Arts in Naples, he became a pupil of Stanislao Lista, who recognised his artistic talents and promoted him to his rightful value.
He made his debut at the Rome exhibition in 1883 with Lalla, a work inspired by Zola's L'Assommoir.

He exhibited at the Promotrice di Belle Arti in Naples from 1880 to 1911 and in Turin from 1884 onwards; his works earned him prizes and distinctions at various exhibitions, both national and international.
In 1900, he joined the Institute of Fine Arts in Urbino (later the School of Book Arts) as a professor of sculpture and director from 1901 to 1906.
In 1907, he became a professor at the Academy of Naples.