24th Feb, 2026 10:00
Peter Petrou | Outward Bound
119
Manner of Benedetto Boschetti
A carved rosso antico marble mask,
19th century, Italian, of Greek theatrical form, raised on a polished black marble plinth
mask 27cm wide, 40cm high, 56cm high overall
Provenance:Daniel Katz, where purchased by Count Manfredi della Gherardesca.
Notes:This dramatic mask, carved in richly veined rosso antico, exemplifies Benedetto Boschetti’s mastery and significance as a grand tour carver. The mask represents a stylised Greek theatrical figure, with furrowed brow, open mouth, and voluminous beard, evoking the expressive, larger-than-life masks of ancient Greek theatre. The polished deep red stone, prized for its association with Roman antiquity, enhances the sculptural presence and visual intensity of the work. Likely produced in Boschetti’s celebrated workshop on Via Condotti in Rome, such pieces were highly sought after by grand tour collectors and connoisseurs of luxury classical objets d’art. The piece embodies the taste of the period, combining scholarly knowledge of classical forms with technical virtuosity. Through its dynamic expression, rich material and meticulous carving, the mask exemplifies Boschetti’s role in translating ancient motifs into refined decorative objects for a cosmopolitan audience seeking to demonstrate their wealth and new-found enlightenment.
Sold for £9,500
Condition Report
Mask
The marble mask is in generally good order with no significant large chips or losses. There are old chips and minor nibbles to the rear edge of the mask, including small nicks to the top edge; these are consistent with age and handling. One of these chips looks to be more recent. There are two indentations to the right side of the head, as well as a crescent-shaped internal fracture to the forehead, attributable to the natural characteristics of the marble rather than impact damage. The flat section of the forehead shows slight pitting, again consistent with the nature of the material rather than impact damage. There are very minor old nibbles or losses to the edges of the eyes, believed to be inherent to manufacture, supported by the oxidisation visible. There are some old chips and minor losses to the edges of the integral plinth. General minor surface scratches and wear are present commensurate with age.
Plinth
There is a horizontal scratch to the upper moulded section; this is below surface level but would likely polish out. There are old chips and losses to the corners and edges, particularly those to the extremities of the plinth. The mask appears to have been applied to the plinth post-manufacture; however, the two seem to have been together for a considerable period of time.
Please see the additional images.
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Auction: Peter Petrou | Outward Bound, 24th Feb, 2026
Peter Petrou’s five decades in the art and antiques world form a story as compelling as the objects with which he has long been synonymous. Guided not by fashion but by instinct - “a disease curable only by death,” he jokes - Petrou has spent his life championing pieces that defy category, logic or expectation. Outward Bound, to be held on Tuesday 24 February 2026, gathers works from his stock and personal collection: objects chosen over a lifetime of looking, thinking, feeling… and matchmaking. For Petrou has always believed that dealers are custodians, not conquerors.
If you’d like to purchase a catalogue, please email auctions@sworder.co.uk or call 01279 817778.
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Monday 2 - Friday 13 February at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11am - 5.30pm
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed
For more information, please contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 20 February, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 22 February, 10am - 1pm
Monday 23 February, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
Please note that this item is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the items weight/size.
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