Arnina by Lorenzo Bartolini at the Accademia Gallery of Florence

The Nymph Arnina was one of the first full-figure sculptures created by Bardolini after his return from Paris. Documents show that he made several marble examples, two of which were for English clients. Precisely for this purpose, the work is also cited in documentary sources as Ocean Nymph. The sculpture, still in progress, was even the subject of a poetic work by Francesco Benedetti. In the composition the female figure is described as the beautiful Oceanina. Bardolini was a neoclassical artist who incorporated elements of sentimental piety and naturalistic detail into his works. His artistic style was heavily influenced by the sculpture of the Florentine Renaissance, which was a departure from the more dominant influence of Antonio Canova in the art of Florence during Bardolini's time.