Clio by Studio of Romanelli

Studio of Raffaello Romanelli
Early 20th Century | Italian

Clio

Inscribed "Executé sous la Direction du Prof. Romanelli" (on base)
Marble

Clio, the muse of history from Greek mythology, is the subject of this compelling neoclassical marble sculpture that hails from the studio of Raffaello Romanelli. Romanelli was the son of the celebrated Pasquale Romanelli, a collaborator of Lorenzo Bartolini who assumed control of his studio following the master's death. He was renowned for his marble studies of the female form, and both his masterful eye and studio were inherited by his son Raffaello. Where Raffaello differed from his father was in his use of multi-colored marbles, a design choice that is displayed in the present work, which was executed by a student in his atelier. 

The stark, pure white of this Clio is perfectly complemented by her robes carved from Siena marble, lending texture and visual interest to her overall form. Her tablet is inscribed "Historia non assentationi, sed fidei veritatique componitur. Pinius," a quote from the letters of Pliny the Younger that roughly translates to "History is written not for display but in the interests of strict truth." The quote was the perfect choice for the mythological figure, who was heralded as "the Proclaimer" of historical truths.

Early 20th century

22 1/4" wide x 15" deep x 52 1/8" high
Base: 23" wide x 23" deep x 27 1/4" high