A VENETIAN CARVED PINE AND FRUITWOOD LIFESIZE DEVIL FIGURE ATTRIBUTED TO FRANCESCO TOSO (D.1893) LATE 19TH/EARLY 20TH CENTURY In the form of a faun with 'S' shape posture, the detailed carving including the lace cravat, lapels, pockets, buttons and a webbed outstretched hand 178cm high Murano born Francesco Toso was born into a glass making family. He set up on his own making mirrors and ebonised sculptures in this distinctive style of carving and hues of wood. Figures such as this with an outstretched hand were originally designed to hold cards and stand outside a shop. Toso's work was acclaimed at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, where Toso suddenly died. Toso's other carved sculptures included gondoliers and Punchinellos. See lot 212 of Woolley and Wallis' auction on 21 October 2020 for a pair of similar figures. Condition Report: Marks, scratches, knocks and abrasions consistent with age. Chips to some protruding areas including the hair and lace cravat. Some cracks along the grain of the timber or along sectional joins. The tail repaired. Some evidence of old worm. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition Condition Report Disclaimer