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The Night after James Pradier
- This exquisite allegorical sculpture pays tribute to James Pradier’s iconic vision of beauty
- The stunning figures are executed in luminous white Carrara marble
- The sculpted maiden embodies Night as both protector and dream-bringer
- The work once belonged to the celebrated actress and sculptor Gina Lollobrigida
- Get complete item description here
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1790–1852 | French
The Night
White marble on a grey marble socle
Drifting in a dreamlike ascent, this exquisite allegorical sculpture, The Night, pays tribute to James Pradier’s iconic vision of feminine beauty and romantic symbolism. Executed in luminous white Carrara marble, the work once belonged to the celebrated actress and sculptor Gina Lollobrigida. Pradier’s ability to imbue classical forms with emotion and sensuality is fully realized here, in. . .
1790–1852 | French
The Night
White marble on a grey marble socle
Drifting in a dreamlike ascent, this exquisite allegorical sculpture, The Night, pays tribute to James Pradier’s iconic vision of feminine beauty and romantic symbolism. Executed in luminous white Carrara marble, the work once belonged to the celebrated actress and sculptor Gina Lollobrigida. Pradier’s ability to imbue classical forms with emotion and sensuality is fully realized here, in a scene that radiates both serenity and mystery.
The female figure lifts a flowing cloak above her head while a cherubic putto beneath her presents a garland of flowers. With one hand shielding her eyes as if to retreat from the waking world, the maiden embodies Night as both protector and dream-bringer. The natural finish of the marble accentuates the softness of her skin and the subtle movement of fabric and hair, giving the work a sense of ethereal lightness and grace.
The composition is a masterful homage to Pradier’s 1846 works La Nuit and Le Jour, celebrated examples of Romantic sculpture. Pradier, a Prix de Rome-winning sculptor, was widely regarded for his neoclassical forms infused with emotional vitality.
This marble was once part of the private collection of Italian actress, sculptor and photojournalist Gina Lollobrigida, one of the most iconic stars of European cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. Known as “La Lollo,” she began her artistic life studying sculpture in Rome before achieving international fame in films such as Fanfan la Tulipe, Beat the Devil and Trapeze. Lollobrigida later returned to sculpture and became a renowned photojournalist, capturing powerful images of global figures including Indira Gandhi, Salvador Dalí and Fidel Castro. A passionate art collector with refined taste, she curated a personal collection that reflected her lifelong dedication to beauty and the arts.
Circa 1900
On base: 78 1/2" high x 26 5/8" wide x 24" deep
Provenance:
Estate of Gina Lollobrigida, Italy
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
| Period: | 1816-1918 |
| Origin: | Italy |
| Type: | Sculpture |
| Style: | Neoclassicism |
| Depth: | 14.5 in. (36.83 cm) |
| Width: | 16.25 in. (41.28 cm) |
| Height: | 58.75 in. (149.23 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
Examine select works in person before you commit
125% Guarantee
Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
Trusted Expertise
Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists
