Victor Aimone (Italy/France, 1860-1922)
Carved Monk, c. 1875-1900
architectural panel
7 7/8” square x 3 1/8” deep
Notes: A charismatic high-relief architectural carving depicting a head of a monk by Italian/French sculptor Victor Aimone, c. 1875-1900.
Carved out of a single piece of walnut, the head protrudes for 3” beyond the backing and is surrounded by an integral trompe l’oeil circular plaque carved as if it were screwed onto the back panel at each of the four corners. The head with grinning features is surrounded by a hood with the shoulders visible under the stippled ground. The frame is fashioned from four individually carved edges and applied to the four sides of the main sculpture for added depth and a finished presentation.
Markings: signed in carved script along the side, ‘V. Aimone”
Condition: Antique; Excellent. The finesse and depth of the carving are superb, as is the warm original patina.
Reference & Biography:
Aimone, Victor. Benezit. pp. 123. Born in Novara. Italian. Sculptor of group statues and portraits. He worked in Turin. In 1897, he exhibited at the Paris Salon: ‘The Jester’s Plea’ and received an honorable mention; in 1911: ‘Glory to the Nation’ and ‘Diana’s Repose’; in 1912: ‘Audacious Frolics’, ‘Well of Portraits’; In 1913 and 1914.
