Neapolitan Vignette Depicting Three Exotic Travelers with Trained Animals

Live Auction

22" (56 cm.) l. 13"h. Arranged upon a wooden ground-covered platform is a dynamic scene featuring three polychromed terra cotta men with dark complexions, each with sculpted black tuft of hair at crown, enamel eyes, sculpted moustache, deeply-impressed wrinkles, tow-wrapped posable armature body, carved wooden lower arms and legs with painted stockings and shoes, wearing rich silk costume with embroidered detail. Excellent condition. Neapolitan, mid-1700s, posed as though in animated conversation, the three men are posed with their sculpted terra cotta lion and panther, each with enamel eyes, held by gilt chain.