Carved Marble Sea Nymph Figure by Ferdinando Vichi

A quality carved marble 'Sea Nymph' figure by Ferdinando Vichi (1874-1945), c.1900. She sits upon a rocky outcrop with waves crashing at the base. incised signature to the base. Height 66.5 cm. Note: With 2010 purchase receipt stating, 'carrara marble'. Viche is a noted Florentine sculptor, born into a noble family in Florence in 1875. In the early nineteenth century his grandfather founded the Gallerie Vichi, which soon became famous, especially abroad, and was later directed by Ferdinando himself. From his childhood he was passionate about art, and soon entered the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence under the guidance of Rivalta and Zocchi, where he won numerous prizes. He worked in Germany, France, England, America and India. The international criticism speaks of the young Vichi - not yet twenty years old - 'with exceedingly flattering judgments'. There are many portraits of important characters made by him on commission, including three American presidents, McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft, the Queen of Baroda, Marshall Cadorna and Mussolini. Vichi won grand prizes and gold medals in various Italian exhibitions (including those of Venice and Livorno). In 1907, at the age of thirty, he was awarded the title of Knight of the Kingdom.