Description

Late C19th Italian carved alabaster 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture , after the antique, of "Spinario" or "The Thorn Puller".
Good larger-scale carved alabaster reduction of the Greco-Romano Hellenistic bronze version which is now exhibited in the Capitoline Museum, Palazzo dei Conservatori , Rome , where it has been placed since the 1400's.
Known to have been studied by , and to have influenced some of the greatest of the Renaissance sculptors such as Michelangelo. Copies of the statue were gifted to , and commissioned by ,the Kings and aristocrats of Europe throughout the C16th . Examples can be found in some of the great museums , Royal and private collections of the world.
The statue of "Lo Spinario" or "Il Fidele " (The Faithful) , was thought by some scholars, to depict a faithful lowly shepherd boy who having delivered his message to the Roman Senate, his errand run , has stopped to remove a thorn from his foot. However later thinking is that the sculpture's origins pre-date this theory.
Well-carved version of this iconic image of the boy shown in intense concentrated focus attempting to remove a thorn from the sole of his foot . The figure is depicted seated upon a rock-work base.
Carved with a 'modesty' fig-leaf.
This study is a good example of the type created by the sculpture studios of Italy to satisfy the demands of wealthy 'Grand Tourists ' seeking souvenir copies of the great works of the classical world.
Excellent original condition.
H 18"
W 7"
D 9"
Italy c. 1880
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 .
Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .
Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .
All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees&Sons .
If visiting, a telephone call prior is advisable as due to the demands of the business the show-room does not have regular hours . Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance .
www.leesantiquesworcester.com.
Tel. 01905 26620 / 07860826218
Located in the centre of Worcester in the shadow of the Cathedral with easy parking nearby. Exit Junction 7 M5 and follow the signs for Worcester Porcelain Museum . Our premises are located 100 metres from the Museum and 50 metres from Pay&Display car-park in nearby King St.
Internal Ref: ML 1703