CHIARISSIMO FANCELLI
Settignano, 1588 – Florence, 1632
Venus riding a Triton
dated: early 17th century
Carrara marble, cm 120 h
This Carrara marble sculpture, which is slightly smaller than life, features Venus riding a triton, with the woman gripping onto the tail of the sea creature as it transports her. Inspired by ancient myths, this iconography enjoyed great success during the Mannerist and Baroque period, starting with the frescoes in the Farnese Gallery by Annibale Carracci.
The sculptor can be identified as Chiarissimo Fancelli from Settignano, who worked in Florence almost throughout his entire career. A pupil of Giovanni Caccini, he began his apprenticeship by reproducing and restoring ancient statues. He was influenced by the greatest artists of his time, such as Buonatalenti and Giambologna, and specialised in antique-style marble sculpture. He has been attributed with busts of Cosimo de’ Medici and mask decorations in numerous palaces.
This Venus was designed to be placed outside, evidently to decorate a garden or a courtyard in a noble palace.
