Lorenzo Bartolini Studio Neoclassical Plaster Relief Fragment, 19th Century

Item Details

Unknown
19th Century (Cast); Salvaged 1966
Cast plaster

Description: A rectangular plaster (gesso) relief fragment depicting a profile bust of a soldier in Renaissance-style armor, holding a lance and shield. This piece is a studio cast from the historic Romanelli Studio (formerly the studio of Lorenzo Bartolini) in Florence. The reverse bears a handwritten inscription: ‘Given to me by Andrea Franchi Restorer / Saved from the Bartolini – Romanelli Studio Firenze / 1966 Flood Damage.’ This identifies the piece as a ‘Mud Angel’ relic—an art object salvaged from the mud of the 1966 Flood of the Arno. The fragment was professionally cast using traditional techniques, evidenced by oxidation staining on the reverse indicating an internal iron armature, a method consistent with 19th and early 20th-century studio models. It is mounted on a later custom metal display stand.
Provenance: The plaster relief fragment is from the studio of Lorenzo Bartolini (1790 – 1845), gifted in 1966 per the notation to the back.
The Romanelli Legacy: This piece originates from one of the most significant sculpture lineages in Italy. The studio of Lorenzo Bartolini (1777–1850) was continued by his pupil Pasquale Romanelli and remains active today as the Galleria Romanelli. Plaster casts were often kept in such studios for generations as reference models. The ‘Andrea Franchi’ mentioned in the inscription was likely a restorer involved in the massive post-flood cleanup efforts (Franchi is a known name in Florentine restoration circles).
A ‘Mud Angel’ Relic: The inscription dates the salvage of this piece to the 1966 Flood of Florence, a pivotal moment in art conservation history. Thousands of volunteers (‘Mud Angels’) worked to save works like this from the oil-slicked mud of the Arno. Collectors value objects with this specific provenance as survivors of a major art-historical event.

Condition

- scratches and abrasions; stains and discoloration; residue; surface wear and irregularities.

Dimensions

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Item #

ITMGS49996