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| Late C19th Italian Neapolitan bronze bust study of Seneca , after the antique, known as the "Pseudo Seneca". |
Late C19th Italian Neapolitan bronze bust study of Seneca , after the antique , known as the "Pseudo Seneca".
Arresting bronze study known as the "Psuedo Seneca" , after the Roman 1st century BCE original , having been excavated at ill-fated Herculaneum from the site of the Villa of the Papyri in 1754. The Papyrus Villa belonged to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus , father-in-law of Julius Caesar , and was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 .
Originally thought to depict Seneca the Younger , Lucius Annaeus Seneca , the notable Roman philosopher, because it was assumed the bust's emancipated features were supposed to reflect his Stoic philosophy . However latterly ,scholars now believe it to be a fictitious portrait , either Hesiod or Aristophanes.
The head study displays a remarkable quality of workmanship with the casting of the accentuated wrinkles and folds of the face and forehead of the man . The intentionally unruly locks of his hair and wrinkly neck contrast openly with the unwavering , penetrating gaze .
Almost certainly a bronze cast in Naples and probably by the Chiurazzi Foundry , who were licensed to produce high-quality bronze copies such as this ,from the antique originals . The original bust now conserved and exhibited in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale , Naples Italy.
Evocative and authentic verdigris 'faux' excavation patination as the original , with some areas of brighter green verdigris showing , particularly evident on the shoulder. The eyes with fragmented white inlays (possibly slips of alabaster) , also as portrayed in the antique original .
Mounted on a shaped and turned figured pale yellow Siena marble socle with some evidence of verdigris staining from probably having been sited with minor exposure to the weather elements at some period . Fixed to the socle with the original bolts , supported at the rear by an integrally-cast open strut .
A striking visual composition and a faithfully cast copy of the antique original.
(* an identical copy of this bust sold Christies , London , 13/07/2016 "The Claudio Bravo Collection" Sale No. 12938 Lot No. 124. £4375 )
H 18"
W 9"
D 9"
Italy , Naples c.1880
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| Ref: ML 1611 |
Price:
£3,300
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| Large C19th Italian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir statue , after the antique , of "Venus of Capua". |
Large C19th Italian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir statue , after the antique, of "Venus of Capua".
The original Venus of Capua , named after it's place of discovery at the ruins of an ancient amphitheatre in Capua , southern Italy, is now on display in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale , Naples ,Italy.
A Roman study of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite, the cult of Venus continued throughout the Roman period where she came to symbolise Rome's Imperial power. Like her Greek counterpart, Aphrodite , Venus was intimately associated with love and beauty. The statue's pose arising from having originally held a shield , the image of the goddess portrays the desirability of military success and civic peace. Her foot is shown atop the helmet of Ares, God of War , and combines sexual allure and martial symbolism.
Good large-scale bronze reduction copy probably produced in Naples , Italy , for sale as a souvenir to wealthy tourists untaking the 'Grand Tour' of the sites and sights of classical Europe.
Excellent quality casting with exceptional detail to the hair , hands, feet and facial features.
Has an exceptionally attractive green hue to the deeply-patinated surface.
Raised on an integrally-cast oblong base.
H 25"
W 6.5"
D 5"
Italy , Naples c.1830 |
| Ref: ML 1703 |
Price:
£2,200
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| C19th French bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir study of the "Lateran Sophocles" by F.Barbedienne Foundry ,Paris. |
C19th French bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir study of the "Lateran Sophocles" by F. Barbedienne Foundry, Paris.
Well cast , large-scale study of the ancient Roman version of the Greek tragedian poet and playwright Sophocles ,having an exceptional patina.
Cast and inscribed by the Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry of Paris ,and also bearing the stamped seal mark of the patented 'Achille Collas' reduction method ("Reduction Mechanique") which allowed and introduced the facility to produce reductions of large-scaled statuary from both museums and private collections , to be produced and made available to the wider market .
The ancient Roman marble based upon a Greek bronze original from antiquity (330-340 BC) exhibited in the Lateran Museum ,Rome (Museo Lateranense) founded by the Popes and housed in the Lateran Palace. The Roman statue was excavated in the Theatre of Dionysus and Athena at Terracina in 1839.
The tragic poet and playwright is depicted in classic contrapposto pose ,mounted on an integral rectangular plinth, wearing and gripping his folded cloak. The subjects feet shod in thonged sandals , with a circular basket full of rolled manuscripts at his feet, whilst the fillet in his hair indicates Sophocles' priestly office.
Excellent condition, with superb 'antique' patina showing hints of green and brown throughout.
Would make a bold statement in a library ,study or in a 'Grand Tour' collection , possessing both gravitas and sculptural elegance.
H 25"
W 9"
D 6.5"
France, Paris c.1860
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| Ref: ML 169 |
Price:
£2,200
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| C19th French 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronze study , after the antique, of "The Borghese Gladiator ". |
C19th French 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronze study , after the antique , of "The Borghese Gladiator ".
Good large-scale bronze reduction of the ancient Hellenistic marble original now exhibited at the Louvre Museum , Paris , France. The statue was discovered at Nettuno , near Anzio , Italy in 1611 and thence to Cardinal Borghese's estate where it remained in a room named after it at the Villa Borghese , until 1807 when it was sold to Napoleon Bonaparte and taken to Paris.
The study depicts the warrior in fighting pose with well-sculpted muscular physique and torso , having lost both his defensive shield and sword from his hands .
This version has been cast with a modesty fig-leaf.
Excellent dark green-ish consistent patination . Raised upon an integral rectangular plinth base , inscribed in fine script "Musee de Louvre" to front edge .
Examples of this iconic statue grace the museums , gardens and great houses and private collections of the world , including Houghton Hall , Highgrove , Chatsworth , Blenheim and Windsor.
H 15"
W 10.5"
D 5"
France c.1875 |
| Ref: ML 168 |
Price:
£1,950
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| Early C20th Italian cast bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture , after the antique, "Apollo Belvedere". |
Early C20th Italian cast bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture, after the antique, "Apollo Belvedere" . Superior quality casting with excellent patina by the 'Sabatino de Angelis & Fils' Foundry , Naples. Signed to rear of base and dated 1904.
The figure of the God is depicted in contrapposto pose, depicted as an archer having just shot an arrow. The subject is thought to show the moment having just slain the Python or serpent guarding Delphi.
The "Apollo Belvedere" or the Pythian Apollo is a celebrated marble sculpture from classical antiquity, now exhibited in the Pio-Clementine Museum of the Vatican Museums , Rome, Italy.
Dark , consistent patina with a greenish hue.
Excellent original condition. This version depicted as the original and completely naked , has an original tiny cast hole for the addition of an optional 'modesty' fig-leaf.
Signed and dated.
H 16"
Italy c.1904
(For a similar example see Christie's "Claudio Bravo Collection" Sale no . 12938 13/07/2016 Lot No. 21 £3000 )
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| Ref: ML1601 |
Price:
£1,800
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| Early C20th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronze bust study of Homer after the antique. |
Early C20th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronze bust study of Homer after the antique. Well-cast desk-top bronze study by Sabatino de Angelis et Fils , Naples.
Mounted upon a turned Siena marble socle , signed upon the edge of the shoulder by the foundry and dated 1906.
Homer is best known as the author of the works of the Iliad and the Odyssey. He was believed by the Greeks to have been first and greatest of the epic poets and also author of the first known literature of Europe.
The British Museum has a marble bust dating to the Hellenistic period , portraying an idealised portrayal of Homer and a study upon which this bronze version is based.
Sabatino Foundry was established in Naples in 1840 and had a large catalogue of varied bronze sculptures and statues , they were renowned for producing castings from the antiquities in the collection of the Museo Nazionale Archeologico ,Naples , which they continued to produce until around 1915.
H(overall) 11"
Italy , Naples c.1905 |
| Ref: ML163 |
Price:
£1,400
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| C19th Italian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture after the antique, of the Ufizzi boar or "Il Porcellino". |
C19th Italian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture after the antique ,of the Ufizzi boar or "Il Porcellino". Well-detailed casting mounted upon a 'portor' marble plinth base .The body hair of the boar particularly well- defined , and having a rich patina to the surface with only minor highlights. The snout having minor rubbing and wear , from its association with luck being gained from touching it.
The Hellenistic marble original now exhibited in the Ufizzi Museum , Florence, Italy. The original ,found in Rome and removed to Florence by the Medici, was associated from the time of its discovery with the Calydonian Boar of Greek myth.
A fountain figure based on the original was sculpted and cast by Baroque master Pietro Tacca (1577-1640), and a version now stands as a tourist attraction in the Mercato Nuevo in Florence.
H 8"
W 9"
Italy c.1850 |
| Ref: ML1601 |
Price:
£1,250
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| Fine late C19th French equestrian bronze of a mounted huntsman on a carved ovoid alabaster plinth base. |
Fine late C19th French equestrian bronze of a mounted huntsman on a carved ovoid alabaster plinth base. Detailed bronze of a traditionally-attired French huntsman carrying a horn , wearing a hunting dagger on his belt and mounted upon an elegant steed.
Excellent casting, patina and attention to detail to both the rider and his mount .
Portrayed in a relaxed yet attentive pose , twisted in the saddle in watchful mode.
The bronze statue stands freely upon the attractive carved alabaster plinth base with flower and ribbon decoration and fluted detail . The stand possibly associated but proves a highly successful combination .
Good consistent patina and dark colour .
The stone base with minor chips,scratches and wear commensurate with age and use.
H(overall) 17.5"
H( bronze) 13.5"
W 15"
D (base) 8"
France c.1890 |
| Ref: ML 167 |
Price:
£1,250
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| Pair of mid-C19th French bronze lions on original black marble plinth bases. |
Pair of mid-C19th French bronze lions on original black marble plinth bases.
Smart pair of companion bronze lion sculptures mounted upon their original 'Belgo Nero' marble bases . Each lion in an individual imperious and vigilant pose , sculpted to portray and convey the majesty and power of the beasts.
In excellent original condition, minor chips to edges of marble bases , commensurate with age and use .
The bronze of a consistent dark patination with minor high-points from handling .
H 5"
W 7"
D 4"
France c.1850 |
| Ref: ML 1702 |
Price:
£1,250
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| C19th Italian bronze sculpture of a prancing horse in the Renaissance manner, mounted on a stepped rouge marble plinth base. |
C19th Italian bronze sculpture of a prancing horse in the Renaissance manner, mounted on a stepped 'rouge griotte' marble plinth base.
Interesting bronze of a prancing stallion with detailed cast mane and tail . The slightly twisted neck showing defined musculature, and the body with hair detail .
Mounted upon a block of figured rouge griotte marble with a stepped base.
Bronze prancing horse studies were completed by a number of leading sculptors during the Italian Renaissance, this particular sculpture draws its inspiration and influence from those studies and from the four iconic horse sculptures above St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square , Venice ,Italy.
In excellent condition , with consistent patina.
H(overall) 9.5"
H (Horse) 6.5"
W 6"
D 5"
Italy c.1870
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| Ref: ML 1702 |
Price:
£1,200
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| Pair of C19th Baroque style bronze galloping horse studies on marble plinth bases in the manner of Francesco Fanelli . |
Pair of C19th Baroque style bronze galloping horse studies on marble plinth bases in the manner of Francesco Fanelli.
Smart pair of bronze galloping horse sculptures mounted on shaped white marble plinth bases with inset rose marble panels . The well-cast and detailed bronzes having a reddish lacquer patination in the style of period studies . Both models having harness detail , flowing tails and manes , each in a slightly differing galloping or leaping stance .
Executed in the manner of the Baroque period Italian sculptor Francesco Fanelli (c.1590-1653). Fanelli , born in Florence , spent most of his career in England having come to the attention of Charles I , and is best known for his equestrian studies .
In excellent condition, the patination of consistent colour , minor chips and 'fritting' to edges of the bases.
H 9"
W 7"
D 3.5"
H (bronze) 4.5"
W(bronze) 8"
England or Italy c. 1860 |
| Ref: ML 1705 |
Price:
£950
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| Pair of early C19th Regency period gilded bronze candelabra. |
Pair of early C19th Regency period gilded bronze candelabra. Smart pair of two-branch candelabra with cast-foliate branches ,scroll-work and flower-bud centres. The bases with well-modelled recumbent greyhounds with crossed front paws. Mounted upon the original creamy-white marble plinth bases. The gilding having achieved a restrained colour and patina from age and wear. Well-formed and cast candle knozzles with removable sconces. The candle-arms and centre being modelled in all-round decoration of exceptional quality.
Some wear to finish from polishing, and the marble bases with some discolouration and minor chips commensurate with age , use and purpose.
H 11"
W 8"
D. 4.5"
England c.1815 |
| Ref: ML1602 |
Price:
£950
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| C19th Italian verdegris bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir figure of Silenus. |
C19th Italian verdegris bronze figure of Silenus . The original bronze statuette was excavated from the engulfed site of Pompeii in 1863 , this model designed to hold an oil or colza burner was modelled by Pietro Massulli and produced by the J.Chiurazzi & Fils Foundry in Naples ,and conceived as a base for an oil lamp.
Silenus wrapped in a loin cloth and grape-vine in his hair , a follower and mentor of Bacchus or Dionysus, the God of wine, is portrayed staggering , holding a serpent and supporting a ring with anthemion leaf motif decoration.
Verdigris/ 'faux' excavation patination . Naples, Italy c 1890.
H 24" |
| Ref: MLLE 137 |
Price:
£950
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| C19th Italian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir statue of Lorenzo de Medici. |
C19th Italian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir statue of Lorenzo de Medici. Good quality bronze reduction of the Michelangelo marble statue from the tomb of Lorenzo de Medici situated in the 'Capello de Medici ' ,Basilica of San Lorenzo , Florence ,Italy. Michelangelo's depiction of his subject and patron ,sits above the sarcophagus tomb in the Medici funerary chapel ,guarded by reclining marble figures portraying 'Dawn' and 'Dusk' . His elbow resting upon a money box probably a reference to the Medici family's banking operations , whilst his pseudo-Roman armour is a reference to him being granted Roman citizenship .
Lorenzo de' Medici (1449-1492) was an Italian statesman and 'de facto' ruler of the Florentine Republic during the Italian Renaissance. Known as "Il Magnifico", he was a diplomat ,politician and patron of scholars ,artists and poets.
Well-detailed casting of excellent patina and colour.
H 11.5"
W 4"
D 4.5"
Italy c.1880 |
| Ref: ML 1510 |
Price:
£900
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| Pair of C19th gilt bronze cassolettes of neo-classical design on white marble bases. |
Pair of C19th gilt bronze cassolettes of neo-classical design on white marble bases.
Smart pair of small-scale gilt bronze cassolette urns with reversal candlestick knozzle lids.
Raised on neo-classical rams-head design tripod supports, mounted upon tri-form concave white marble block bases . The detachable berry finial reversible tops having reverse sided candle sconces, with nicely cast ,chased and turned detail . The tapering bodies of wrythen form . Crisply-cast throughout with good attention to detail.
Consistent colour and patina, with a 'softly' gilded and aged patination . One minor crack to one marble base.
H 7.5"
W 3.5"
D 3.5"
England c.1850 |
| Ref: ML 1705 |
Price:
£900
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| C19th French bronze 'animalier' study of an 'English pointer' in the manner of Pierre Jules Mene . |
C19th French bronze 'animalier' study of an 'English pointer' in the manner of Pierre Jules Mene. Finely cast study of a male pointer depicted in characteristic alert pose mounted on a naturalistic rectangular plinth base.
Excellent detail conveying the power ,intelligence and agility of the breed, with defined musculature and anatomical correctness. Realistically modelled coat and well-detailed head features and paws.
Good consistent patination and colour . Original untouched condition , the tail having been cast separately and joined to the body .
H 8"
W 8.5"
D 3.5"
France c.1875
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| Ref: ML167 |
Price:
£900
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| C19th Italian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir reduction of the equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. |
C19th Italian bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir reduction of the equestrian statue of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius .
Copy of the ancient Roman statue in the Campidoglio , Rome , Italy. Portraying the Emperor mounted on horse-back, the original is now on display in the Capitoline Museums , with a replica on display in the open air of the Piazza del Campidoglio .
The overall theme of the statue is one of power and divine grandeur , with the over life-size study of the Emperor mounted on horse-back.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus (121 AD- 180 AD) was Roman Emperor from 161 to 180. He ruled with Lucius Verus as co-emperor.
Good quality detailed casting of consistent dark patination .
Minor damage to finger-tips of outstretched right hand .
H 7"
W 5"
D 2"
Italy c.1850 |
| Ref: ML168 |
Price:
£700
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| Pair of late C19th 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronzed and gilt-brass classical vases ,after the antique. |
Pair of late C19th 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronzed and gilt-brass classical vases , after the antique. Of ancient Classical Greek volute Krater form , styled after the ceremonial urns used in feasts and orgiastic celebrations to hold wine and water . Detailed cast rims and necks with gilded scroll 'volute' twin handles ,above a cast bronzed metal body with all-round decoration featuring a bacchalian procession .
Raised upon a cast-detail spreading circular foot with gilded details.
Through cleaning and polishing the bodies have achieved a lightly-silvered high points finish where the dark patination has been partially removed , which has created a highly decorative contrast between the gilded sections and the dark patina of the other sections of the vases.
Excellent condition , wear commensurate with age and use.
H 9"
W 5"
Italy or France c.1880 |
| Ref: MLGT 155 |
Price:
£575
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| C19th 'Grand Tour' souvenir gilded bronze sculpture after the antique,of Dionysus, known as "Narcissus". |
C19th 'Grand Tour' souvenir gilded bronze sculpture after the antique, of Dionysus, known as "Narcissus". Well-cast gilded patination bronze of this iconic statue, produced in Naples probably by 'Chiurazzi' foundry. Depicted in 'contrapposto' pose, a wine-skin slung over his shoulder, entirely naked except for his sandals and the grapes in his hair. The Greek god Dionysus, Bacchus to the Romans , is the God of wine, the grape harvest, ritual madness, religious ecstasy and theatre.
The discovery of the original ,excavated at Pompeii in 1862 , caused a sensation and the image was much sought after by European collectors and 'Grand Tourists' alike . The antique original now exhibited in Museo Nazionale, Naples, Italy.
Good 'softly' gilded patina with minor high-points and rubbing . Minor casting fault / crack to rear of base.
H 11"
Italy ,Naples c.1890 |
| Ref: ML 1511 |
Price:
£550
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| C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronze sculpture after the antique, of "Dionysus", known as "Narcissus". |
C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir bronze sculpture, after the antique, of "Dionysus" , known as "Narcissus". Well-cast verdigris patinated bronze of this iconic statue ,probably by the 'Sommer' or 'Chiurazzi' foundries of Naples. Well-defined musculature and fine detail to the sandals, wine-skin and hair.
After the antique excavated at Pompeii in 1862 ,now in the Museo Nazionale , Naples , Italy .
H 11"
Naples,Italy c. 1890 |
| Ref: ML 158 |
Price:
£550
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