GIOVANNI BATTISTA AMENDOLA (ITALIAN, 1848-1887): A LATE 19TH CENTURY BRONZE FIGURAL GROUP OF TWO LOVERS 'WEDDED', PROBABLY CAST BY THE FINE ART SOCIETY,

the couple in an embrace, on a circular plinth, inscribed 'Modelled by G.B. Amendola from the picture of Sir Frederick Leighton',

37cm high

This model of two young lovers was commisioned by the Fine Art Society, London, after the painting by Frederick, Lord Leighton now in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney. The sculpture proved to be extremely popular and the Fine Art Society produced further editions in silvered bronze, bronze and terracotta in two different sizes. An example of the same size and with identical inscription but with a silvered finish was sold by Sotheby's, London, 13 November 2007 lot 54, £3750.