Luca Madrassi (1848-1919) Imposing Marble Group “innocence Tormented By Love”

An imposing white marble group depicting “Innocence Tormented by Love,” signed Luca Madrassi. French School, late 19th century, Art Nouveau period.

This splendid figurative group in white marble represents Innocence as a young girl tormented by two Cupids, symbols of Love. The girl is mocked by the two mischievous Cupids; she holds a long piece of fabric high above her head, which the two rascals are trying to snatch away. In this group, Madrassi demonstrates exemplary talent, putting into practice one of the main tenets of Art Nouveau: the ability to imbue sculpture with dynamism. Observing the group, one truly has the impression of witnessing the playful dance of the girl and the two Cupids, in a whirlwind of laughter, while the draperies billow in the wind.

Luca Madrassi was an Italian sculptor who became a naturalized French citizen. He was born on June 8, 1848, in Tricesimo and died on April 6, 1919, in Paris. He began his artistic studies in Rome before studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in the studios of Pierre-Jules Cavelier and then Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. Madrassi worked as an assistant for Carrier-Belleuse, and then intermittently between 1876 and 1880 for Gustave Doré. He likely also worked for Antoine Bourdelle. Both artists had a significant influence on the romantic and playful character of his work. He exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in Paris from 1874 onward with his plaster group sculpture, *Le Premier Aveu* (The First Confession). He received honorable mentions in 1881, 1882, 1883, and 1885, as well as a third-class medal in 1896 for his marble group, Noël. His art, influenced by Clodion and Carrier-Belleuse, did not earn him any commissions from the State, but he found success with private clients. He obtained French citizenship and became a member of the Société des Artistes Français in 1890. He also exhibited at the Salon of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts in 1896. His works were primarily busts, statuettes, and allegorical subjects. He collaborated with the Boulenger & Co. earthenware factory in Choisy-le-Roi, for which he provided designs for statuettes, vases, and objets d’art, as well as a monumental earthenware fountain in the Neo-Rococo style, exhibited at the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris.
Very good condition.

Measurements
H 81 cm
W cm 33
D cm 28