CURRENT BID
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Live Online Auction Starts In
2026 Jun 16 @ 10:00 (UTC-07:00 : PDT/MST)
Preview: June 13th (10am - 5pm)
Pick ups: June 17th - June 20th (10am - 5pm)
Pick up for day 1 items only on the 17th. Day 2 Items will not be available for pickup until the 18th.
Preview and Pick up location: 27294 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3P8
* Please read the IMPORTANT LOT! Placing your bid is your acceptance of all Terms and Conditions, Buyers Premium, Taxes, Shipping and Payment information.
*The Mad Picker has now merged with Direct Auctions.
• ALL items are AS IS WHERE IS, NO
A finely carved Italian marble group depicting an older figure guiding a young child as they write or draw together, rendered with exceptional tenderness and technical precision. The sculpture is solid marble and VERY heavy. It measures 24.5" wide and 21" deep with a height of about 21". The adult leans protectively over the child, their hands joined over a shared sheet, capturing a moment of instruction, mentorship, and affection. The figures' garments are executed with deep, crisp folds characteristic of late-19th-century Roman studio carving, while the faces and hands are polished to a smooth, lifelike finish.
The front of the base bears the inscription "AMOREVOLE AIUTO" ("Loving Help"), reinforcing the emotional narrative of guidance and care. The side of the base is signed "PIRAINO. P." and "ROMA", identifying the sculptor as Pietro Piraino, active in Rome during the late 19th and early 20th century.
A strong example of Italian academic marble work, combining sentiment, realism, and high craftsmanship. Suitable for collectors of Italian sculpture, academic art, and finely carved marble groups.
Artist Profile: Pietro Piraino (Active late 19th-early 20th century)
Pietro Piraino was an Italian sculptor working in Rome during the late 1800s and early 1900s, part of the city's thriving network of academic studios that produced high-quality marble sculpture for both domestic patrons and the international export market. Although not as widely documented as major academic masters, Piraino appears in Italian art directories and Roman workshop records as a specialist in genre scenes, sentimental domestic subjects, and religious figures, all executed in fine Carrara marble.
His work reflects the hallmarks of the Roman academic tradition:
Strong anatomical modeling and idealized facial features
Deeply cut drapery with dramatic shadowing
Smooth, polished surfaces on skin contrasted with textured garments
Narrative compositions emphasizing emotion, family, education, and devotion
Piraino's sculptures were typically signed "PIRAINO. P." and often accompanied by "ROMA", indicating his workshop location. Pieces from his studio were frequently purchased by European and North American buyers seeking high-quality Italian marble works during the height of Rome's export period (circa 1880-1920).
While individual biographical details remain scarce, surviving works show a consistent level of craftsmanship and a focus on intimate, humanistic themes - qualities that make his sculptures desirable in today's market for academic and genre marble.
Auction Location:
27294 Fraser Hwy., Aldergrove, British Columbia, V4W 3P8, Canada
Previewing Details:
Preview: June 13th (10am - 5pm) in-person and video calls.
Previewing Address: 27294 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3P8
Video calls & Facetime previews are available as well via appointment only. To book an appointment please email us at auction@directliquidation.ca with a time between 10am-5pm PDT.
International Shipping is available through 3rd party. See shipping details.
Items must be paid in full on the day of the sale.
Preview: June 13th (10am - 5pm)
Pick ups: June 17th - June 20th (10am - 5pm) Pick up for day 1 items only on the 17th. Day 2 Items will not be available for pickup until the 18th.
Preview and Pick up location: 27294 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3P8
NOTE: ITEMS NOT PICKED UP BY June 20th WILL BECOME THE PROPERTY OF DIRECT LIQUIDATION, AND NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED UNLESS ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH US.
Applicable taxes GST 5% PST 7%
Please make sure to include your PST number if you have one.
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| GST |
5% |
GST |
| BPST |
7% |
BC PST |
| NFLD |
5% |
NewFoundland |
| NB |
5% |
New Brunswick |
| NS |
5% |
Nova Scotia |
| PEI |
5% |
Prince Edward Island |
| ON |
5% |
Ontario |
| AB |
5% |
Alberta |
| MB |
5% |
Manitoba |
| NWT |
5% |
Northwest Territories |
| NT |
5% |
Nunavut |
| QC |
5% |
Quebec |
| SK |
5% |
Saskatchewan |
| YK |
5% |
Yukon |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
18% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Shipping will be picked up from the auction June 20 - 22nd
All shipping operations will be outsourced to The UPS Store in Burnaby located at:
4111 Hastings Street
Burnaby, BC
Contact Information:
Steve or Brian
Phone: 604.205.5888
Email: store325@theupsstore.ca
Should you have any questions or require assistance with shipping, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Steve or Brian directly at the contact number above.
Payment Details:
If your picking your items up, you can save 2% by paying cash or debit, NO discount for E-Transfer! All items not paid for within 48 hours of the conclusion of the auction, will be charged on your card. If items are being shipped, your card will be charged twice. Once for your items and again when shipping has been calculated. Invoices will be sent out at the conclusion of the auction.
* 18% Buyer Premium will be applied on purchases.
* Plus Applicable Taxes
* 16% if paying Debit or Cash
* If paying by E-Transfer, please send to: Accounts@Directliquidation.ca
Password: canada
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- AMEX
- E-Transfer
- Debit
- Cash
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