Description

C19th French bronze 'Grand Tour' souvenir study of Sophocles by F. Barbedienne Foundry, Paris.
Superbly 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 .
This study known as the “Lateran Sophocles” is a reduction copy of the ancient Roman marble version 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
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
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Internal Ref: ML 169

Dimensions

Height = 64 cm (25")
Width = 23 cm (9")
Depth = 17 cm (7")