Description:

Gilt Bronze Bust of a Satyr, after Morelli, artist name inscribed on truncation, h. 23 in., w. 19 in., d. 13 in., painted wood base, overall h. 24 1/2 in. Provenance: The Collection of Robert Mapplethorpe, New York: "The Robert Mapplethorpe Collection", Christie's, New York, Oct. 31, 1989, lot 496; Collection of Dennis Schnagel, New York, NY. Note: “If I had been born one or two hundred years ago, I might have been a sculptor, but photography is a very quick way to see, to make sculpture.” – Robert Mapplethorpe In the fall of 1989, following the death of photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, Christie’s and Sotheby’s both hosted a week of auctions with objects from the late artist’s collection, including his own fine photography. The bronze bust of a satyr on offer here was featured in the Christie’s sale. This bust was the subject of Mapplethorpe’s 1988 photograph entitled “Italian Devil” and spoke to the artist’s keen interest in classical sculpture, Christianity, Greek mythology, and the dichotomy of good versus evil. The photograph is also an interesting parallel to Mapplethorpe’s 1985 self-portrait where he is wearing horns, conflating the imagery of Satan with Dionysus, the notoriously sensual and hedonistic Greek god. The bust serves as a fascinating vestige from one of the country’s most revered and controversial photographers.

  • Condition: If Condition is NOT stated in the description of the lot, the absence of a condition report does not indicate the lot is free of damage or condition issues. Available Condition Reports will appear as an additional image. Condition Reports and photographs may be requested on items until the Wednesday prior to the auction. Bid accordingly. All sales are final, no returns are accepted on the basis of condition.

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September 10, 2022 11:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

Neal Auction Company

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $99,999 $1,000
$100,000 $199,999 $2,000
$200,000 + $5,000