A VENETIAN CARVED PINE AND FRUITWOOD FIGURE OF A SHE-DEVIL

A VENETIAN CARVED PINE AND FRUITWOOD FIGURE OF A SHE-DEVIL

ATTRIBUTED TO FRANCESCO TOSO (ITALIAN D.1893)

the figure with horns and faun like ears, with wings and with an exaggerated 'S' bend posture, wearing a frock coat with a ruffled lace collar and a close fitting corset

135.5cm high

Provenance

Purchased by the present owner from Carlsen Auctions, Greenville, NY, February 1991.

Catalogue Note

Francesco Toso was born in Murano, Venice to a family of glass makers. He soon discovered his own path finding great acclaim for his carved sculptures and mirrors. He exhibited at the 1893 World Fair in Chicago where, unfortunately, he sadly died. His most acclaimed work at the exhibition was a pair carved figures which recall the present lot which were inspired by the Faustian characters Marguerite and Mephistopheles.

This fantastical figure would have originally been designed to stand in front of a shop entrance to capture the attention of passers-by. She would have held cards in her fingers.

For a closely related pair of figures, see Woolley & Wallis, Furniture, Works of Art & Clocks, 21st October 2020, Lot 212 which sold for £70,000. See also the Smithsonian affiliated Museum of Arts and Sciences in Florida (inv. A5121) and for an autograph pair of Mr and Mrs Satan figures, formerly in the collection of Elsa Schiaparelli, see Christie's, Paris, 'C'est fou', 12th-14th December 2018, lot 138 which sold for €181,250 (including fees).