Saint Pierre, Italy 2nd half of the 16th century

"Saint Peter"
Entourage de Jean de Boulogne said
Giambologna (Douai, 1529 – Florence, 1608)
Bronze and terracotta sculpture
Era II - half of the 16th century
H. 85 x width. 35 x depth 30 (cm.)
Very good condition

A rare late Renaissance bronze sculpture, finished in terracotta.
The exquisite lost-wax bronze casting was completed with a layer of terracotta to lend warmth and liveliness to the sculpture and to enhance the natural feel of the clothing.
It depicts a powerfully hieratic image of a standing Saint Peter, wrought in the round with impressive realism.
The artist has created a work of the highest artistic standard, achieving a perfect combination of great strength and unsurpassed stylistic elegance. The Saint's dark, stern face reaches the pinnacle of sculptural art and stands out decisively from the infinite folds of his robes, which astonish with their lightness and exquisite movement.
The work, which embodies all the characteristics of the most representative Mannerist sculpture, is comparable to the excellent production of the famous Flemish sculptor Jean de Boulogne, Italianized as "Giambologna" (Douai, 1529 – Florence, 1608), and was certainly created by an artist from his circle.

The sculpture, missing its right arm, is in very good condition, with the main bronze structure solid. The terracotta finish shows signs of wear consistent with its period.

Giambologna, pseudonym of Jean de Boulogne, (Douai, 1529 – Florence, August 13, 1608), was a Flemish sculptor active primarily in Florence.

Born in Flanders (now France) in 1529, while still very young, he arrived in Rome in 1550 to study ancient statues and the works of modern artists of the time, particularly those of Michelangelo.
Giambologna remained in Rome for only a couple of years, spending most of it practicing, creating numerous terracotta and wax models, always maintaining his connection with the great Florentine master.
He may never have met Michelangelo personally, but his art so impressed him that he emulated and subsequently surpassed his models. The immense art of Buonarroti always served as a benchmark against which to measure himself, but without limiting himself to passive imitation. His works exhibit a strong propensity for the dynamism of figures clearly inspired by Michelangelo, but Giambologna became the most important Mannerist sculptor in Florence for the originality of his production, consisting of marble statues and bronzes of both large and small scale. His works won the appreciation of discerning patrons and connoisseurs, such as those gathered around the Medici court in Florence.

We issue a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity that guarantees the age, provenance, and all the characteristics of the work, drawn up by an antique dealer affiliated with FIMA (ITALIAN FEDERATION OF ART DEALERS).