89 - AFFORTUNATO GORY (Italy, active 1895–1925).

AFFORTUNATO GORY (Italy, active 1895–1925). "Female Bust." Terracotta. Signed. Measurements: 55 x 46 x 27 cm. Born in Florence, Affortunato Gory trained under the master Augusto Rovalta, and after completing his studies, he settled in France, where he would spend most of his career. He participated in the Salon des Artistes Français on several occasions between 1902 and 1923. He created his sculptures in the Art Nouveau style, often in bronze but also in chryselephantine, with flesh tones rendered in ivory or white marble. Notable works in his body of work include a bronze and marble bust of “Iris” from 1904, a marble statue of Michelangelo from 1912, a “Bacchante with Cupids” in gilded bronze from 1914, and a sculpture from that same year, in marble, titled “Bouquetière.” He was particularly brilliant in his depictions of female figures—portrayed as ladies, dancers, Eastern or medieval princesses, or classical figures—though he also excelled in his busts of young people and children. Today, Gory’s work is represented in museums dedicated to Art Nouveau, such as Casa Lis, as well as in private collections around the world.