ANTONIUCCI VOLTI (1915-1989) Three Graces, circa 1959 Bronze proof with green patina shaded with brown Foundry stamp on base: Cire perdue/Bisceglia. Signed and numbered on the base: 3/6 Height 49 cm - Width 33.5 cm - Depth 10.5 cm Antoniucci Volti developed a recognizable style early on, combining sensuality of form and sobriety of volume. Deeply influenced by ancient sculpture, but also by Rodin and Maillol, Volti's work celebrates the female body, which he treats with an almost meditative gentleness. The bronze sculpture of the Three Graces we are offering for sale fully embodies this ideal of harmony and timeless beauty. Bisceglia Frères was an important art foundry, active between 1904 and 1962. Around 1907, Mario Bisceglia, originally from Turin, set up his own foundry in Paris with two of his brothers, Dominique and César. He moved to Malakoff around 1930. Bisceglia hired Tullio Clementi, then later in 1940, Turriddu, who had completed his apprenticeship at Susse and Valsuani. The foundry only produced pieces less than 1.50 m tall, and was renowned for its particularly meticulous patinas, like that of our Three Graces. Bibliography: E. Lebon, Dictionnaire des fondeurs de bronzes d'art, Ed. Marjon, 2003, pp. 116-118 The numbered 1/6 copy of Les Trois Grâces also cast by Bisceglia Frères, purchased at the Salon des Tuileries in 1959, is now in the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (ref. AMS 1).