29
A pair of Bernini's obelisks
Estimate
300 - 400
Session 1
22 November 2022
Hammer Price
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Italy
Sculpture mounted on wooden socles, depicting the obelisk resting on an elephant in Rome, by the sculptor Bernini.
Height: 50 cm
Category
Objects
Additional Information
Provenance : Florence Academie of Fine Arts
The obelisk was originally erected in front of the Temple of Neith in Sais. Consecrated by the XXVI dynasty Pharaoh Apries (6th century BCE), it was one of a pair that was undoubtedly carried to Rome in the 1st century CE, during the reign of Emperor Caligula, and whose pair can be found at Renaissance Square, in Urbino
The sculptor Bernini was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII to design a Baroque style pedestal to be constructed in front of the Basilica of Saint Mary on Minerva. This work inspired the artist Salvador Dali various of his canvas, amongst which can be counted "The Elephants", "The temptation of Saint Anthony" and "Dream Caused by the flight of a bee around a pomegranate, a second before waking".
Closed Auction
