THIS exceptional sculpture by Rudolf Schadow entitled Die Spinnerin was located in Co. Offaly. (click on image to enlarge). UPDATE Die Spinnerin sold for 241,250 pounds
VENUS ITALICA from the workshop of Canova. The sculpture was located south of Tullamore. (click on image to enlarge).
REDISCOVERED in Ireland and created in 19th century Rome three marble sculptures will feature at Sotheby’s sale of European Sculpture and Works of Art in London on July 8. The highlight of the group is an exceptional sculpture by the Northern artist Rudolf Schadow (German, 1786-1822) entitled Die Spinnerin, estimated at £120,000-180,000.
Schadow had arrived in Rome in 1812 to fully absorb the legacy of sculpture from classical antiquity and work with the master Antonio Canova. The Cork trained sculptor John Hogan (1800-58) made a similar journey and lived in Rome for 24 years. Unlike Hogan, Schadow had a major patron in King Frederick William of Prussia who provided financial support. The sculpture of a young girl spinning was first conceived in 1816 and Schadow went on to produce versions for such eminent patrons as the Prussian King, Prince Nikolaus II Esterházy of Hungary, Prince Ludwig of Bavaria, Baron von Lebzelter, and the Duke of Devonshire.
The Irish Grand tourist Henry Patten was one of many who followed the fashionable example set by the wealthy as they toured Europe, commissioning while on their travels works of art from artists residing abroad. Patten commissioned the present work in 1819 for his house in Westport, County Mayo and Schadow made several references to it during the spring of that year. There is a dedication to Patten on the marble.
Die Spinnerin by Rudolf Schadow and Venus Italica and Hebe from the Workshop of Antonio Canova (1757-1822) were found in Annaghmore House, Tullamore, Offaly. Their history includes an Irish commission, the Grand Tour, and Rome’s flourishing artistic community at the centre of it all. Venus Italica and Hebe, from the Workshop of Antonio Canova were carved around 1820 during Canova’s lifetime, circa 1820. Estimated at £60,000-80,000, the marble statues were taken from two of Canova’s most famous models.
When Sotheby’s Sculpture specialist Erik Bijzet first cast his eye over photographs of the sculptures brought to Sotheby’s Dublin office, he was immediately struck by their intrinsic quality and importance.
UPDATE: Die Spinnerin made £241,250, Venus Italica and Hebe were withdrawn when they failed to reach their reserves.