Libero Andreotti (Italian, 1875-1933)

Lot description

Libero Andreotti (Italian, 1875-1933) "Laocoon", 1908, bronze, signed, localized and dated at back edge of base, faint inscription at corner of base, h. 27-1/2", w. 14", d. 13". Provenance: Private collection, Rancho Mirage, California. A native of the Tuscan town of Pescia, Andreotti was a self-taught artist. Apprenticed at a young age to a local blacksmith, he learned the essentials of metalwork which were to prove crucial to his later artistic pursuits. His innate talent and ability caught the attention of several local artisans and businessmen, and Andreotti was offered a position as an illustrator. Eventually tiring of this, Andreotti moved to Milan where he first began sculpting. In 1907 he was honored by inclusion in the VII-International Art Exhibition/Biennale di Venezia. Andreotti spent some time in Paris before moving to Florence, where he was to spend the remainder of his days, an active and beloved member of the city's thriving artistic community. His sensuous yet earthy figural sculptures received much acclaim and attention, often drawing comparisons to the great French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Many of his works were inspired by classical myths and frequently incorporated antique motifs and symbols. The work presented here is a modern interpretation of the Greek story of Laocoon, the Trojan priest of Poseidon, who met his painful demise by a slither of snakes. Andreotti cleverly raises philosophical, emotional and psychological concerns here by suggesting that the deadly snake is not an outside force, but rather an extension of Laocoon himself.