Luigi BELLI (1848-1919) - Lot 36

Luigi BELLI (1848-1919) Werther Bronze with brown patina Signed "Luigi Belli" on the back Bears the founder's stamp "CIRE/ C. VALSUANI/ PERDUE" (LOST WAX) Titled "Werther" on front H. 23 cm Featuring a grieving young man covering his face with his hands, this bronze by Luigi Belli was inspired by the character Werther, the Romantic hero of the eponymous 1892 opera, itself adapted from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's novel The Sufferings of Young Werther, published in 1774. A native of Turin, Luigi Belli studied decorative architecture in Paris before returning to his native city, where he joined the Accademia Albertina to train as a sculptor under Odoardo Tabacchi. He designed several memorials in Italy, including the monument to the Italians who fell at Mentana in Milan, inaugurated in 1880 in the presence of Garibaldi. Provenance: Former collection of Léon CAMPAGNOLA (1875-1955) Tenor at the Paris Opera circa 1910-1920, who performed the role of Werther in its operatic version. Private collection, Vallée de la Bièvre Expert: Cabinet Sculpture and Lacroix- Jeannest collection