Northern Italy, early 19th century, entourage of Gian Battista Bendazzoli (1739-1812) Suite of four grotesques: possibly four allegories of the senses Stone garden sculptures Statue 1 : 78 x 49 x 32 cm Statue 2 : 72 x 39 x 32 cm Statue 3: 79 x 47 x 38 cm Statue 4: 77 x 40 x 31 cm Plinths: 37 x 37 x 30 cm Accidents, wear and tear These four grotesques can be related to the special commission by Verona-born sculptor Gian Battista Bendazzoli for the park of Villa Valmarana ai Nani in Vincenza. Remodeled by the architect Francesco Muttoni, this residence belonging to Count Giustino dei Valmarana owes its name to the strange statues created by the artist, lined up along its perimeter wall. Instead of the traditional gods of Olympus, bizarre, deformed-looking figures greet visitors. These grotesques could be inspired by the universe of Giambattista and Giandomenico Tiepolo, who created the frescoes of the Villa from 1757.