In the uniform of the Venetian middle ages, signed on the plinth V. BESAREL VENEZIA, ca. 1897/98. A naturalistically carved and painted figure in Swiss pine, finely carved in the round and with much detail, with a removable shield, and halberd, also with the Venetian lion and motto carved in relief on the breast plate. Height with halberd 193 cm. Some ageing. (DOC)
An outstanding piece.
Panciera Valentino, called Besarel, was a sculptor and fine cabinet maker. * Zoldo (Venetian), 29. 7. 1829; + Venice, 11. 12. 1902, worked as sculptor and cabinet maker in Belluno and Agordo, where he met Segusini and De Min. From 1849 he studied for three years at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice with Ferrari and Grigoletti and received many awards. After a stay in Florence he returned to Belluno and made himself unpopular with the Austrian authorities because he refused to exhibit in Vienna in 1863 (he was later decorated by the Emperor in any case). In 1870 he settled in Besarel in Venice and from then on his financial situation improved. His extensive oeuvre which is based on the tradition of Brustolon, excels particularly in the quality of his wood carving and furniture carpentry. He was esteemed by his contemporaries particularly for his wooden statues and picture frames. His works can be found in Belluno, Este and Udine amongst other places. He took part in various exhibitions: Florence, 1861, Vienna, 1873, Turin, 1884, etc. Sculptures were presented at the Esposizione Nazionale in Turin in 1898. His works include: Marble fireplace in Villa Malta in Rome; Apotheosis of King Victor Emanuel; Relief, Vercelli; Saints Antony and Francis, relief at the Capuchin Monastery Pernambuco; statues of saints for churches in Este, Conselve, Padua etc.; funerary monuments in Chioggia, Belluno etc.; furniture for King Edward VII of England, the German Emperor Friedrich III. Monuments: Count Almoro III. Pisani, Vescovana, Padua; A. Brustolon, etc.