Decorative Arts & Design Part II

November 1924, 2022
Auction begins to close at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 591

Lot 591

Gothic Style Carved Oak Figure of a Bishop with Crozier, Books and Grapes, Josef 'Peppi' Rifesser (Italian, 1921-2020), mid 20th century

Gothic Style Carved Oak Figure of a Bishop with Crozier, Books and Grapes, Josef 'Peppi' Rifesser (Italian, 1921-2020), mid 20th century
Lot 591 Details
Gothic Style Carved Oak Figure of a Bishop with Crozier, Books and Grapes, Josef 'Peppi' Rifesser (Italian, 1921-2020), mid 20th century

height 32.75 in — 83.2 cm

Estimate $500-$700

Realised: $240
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Gothic Style Carved Oak Figure of a Bishop with Crozier, Books and Grapes, Josef 'Peppi' Rifesser (Italian, 1921-2020), mid 20th century
  • Gothic Style Carved Oak Figure of a Bishop with Crozier, Books and Grapes, Josef 'Peppi' Rifesser (Italian, 1921-2020), mid 20th century
Note:

A scandal that rocked the art world in December 1958 propelled 'Peppi' Rifesser into the spotlight. Rifesser learned by chance that one of his sculptures, a Madonna with Child Holding Grapes, was being offered for sale as a 14th-century French Gothic original at the Dorotheum, the most prestigious auction house in Vienna. Another one of his works, a Foolish Virgin, had already been sold. He informed the auction house that the work was his, but nobody believed him; numerous art experts pronounced the work genuine. He offered to sculpt a second Madonna to prove his claim; before it was completed, the experts had conceded, and his career took off.

CONDITION DETAILS

Condition report available upon request

LOT 591
×

About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.