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Website last updated: |
26 July 2017
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| SCULPTURE |
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| Fine late C19th Italian carved white statuary marble figure of a bather by Pietro Bazzanti , Florence. |
Fine late C19th Italian carved white statuary marble figure of a bather by Pietro Bazzanti , Florence.
Large carved white marble figure of a draped bather leaning against a rocky outcrop. The subject almost certainly an interpretation of the Goddess Venus bathing , or 'after the Bath' , based upon and evoking , antique classical sculpture studies of the deity. The figure is depicted leaning against the rocks ,clutching a robe or wrap , to her left breast with her hand , whilst her right hand supports her weight on the rocks behind. The hair shown swept back and held by a band or diadem , alluding to her status as a Goddess . The face having a calm , serene expression , whilst the curvaceous body is modesty wrapped and shielded from open view by the folds of the drapery .
The workshops and studio gallery of the Italian 'Pietro Bazzanti e Figlio ' , (Pietro Bazzanti and Son ) were central in the production of Florentine sculpture throughout the mid and late nineteenth century. The gallery , originally Bazzanti's studio , was inaugurated in 1822 and is still open today . Pietro Bazzanti and the studio, later under the control of his son , Niccolo , specialised in allegorical and genre subjects, as well as copies of Antique and Renaissance sculpture. Regarded as being some of the most talented sculptors and workshops of the period , their skill of historicising romantic subjects , such as the sculpture offered here , became popular in the late nineteenth century .
Signed to the rear of the base "Bazzanti, Florence" (rather than"Firenze") , indicating that this sculpture was probably made for the English-speaking market of Britain or the U.S.A.
Raised on a naturalistically carved ovoid base , having been skilfully hewn and sculpted from a single block of pure white statuary marble.
In excellent condition with no breaks, losses or damage.
H 31"
W 13"
D 18"
Italy , Florence c.1890 |
| Ref: ML 1701 |
Price:
£8,500
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| Fine pair of C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved alabaster lions after Antonio Canova. |
Fine pair of C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved alabaster lions after Antonio Canova . Excellent quality pair of carved lions originally sculpted by Antonio Canova (1757-1822) for the monumental tomb of Pope Clement XIII in St.Peter's Basilica ,Vatican City, Rome in 1792.
The original lions were carved by Canova from travertine marble , whilst copies were carved in the workshops of Rome from various marbles and stones for sale to 'Grand Tourists' ,as souvenirs from their classical tour and visit to the Eternal City.
Shown reclined on block bases , one lion is depicted sleeping , whilst the other is vigilant ; a detail said to represent the Pope's moderation and vigilance respectively.
Skilfully carved in alabaster with excellent true detail , the pair are mounted on Belgo Nero black marble bases. Great detail to mane ,face and bodies ,in accurate representation of the originals .The alabaster bodies have the appearance and colour of the the prized Carrara marble as used by the leading Renaissance and neo-classical sculptors.
Excellent condition and of good scale ,with minor nicks to the square edges of the alabaster bases. No breaks ,losses or repairs.
Examples grace the great country-house and museum collections of the world .
W 10.5"
H 6.5"
D 4"
Italy c.1850 |
| Ref: ML 163 |
Price:
£6,000
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| Impressive late C19th large-scale Italian carved serpentine marble 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture ,after the antique , "The Dying Gaul". |
Impressive late C19th large-scale Italian carved serpentine marble 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture,after the antique, "The Dying Gaul". Impressive carved marble version of the iconic ancient marble statue of the defeated and mortally wounded Gallic or Celtic warrior, the Roman marble version now exhibited in the "Hall of the Galatian" ,The Capitoline Museums, Rome. A copy of the lost Hellenistic bronze original from the 3rd Century BC , the Roman marble was rediscovered in the C17th whilst excavations were being made at the 'Villa Ludovisi' in Rome ,first recorded in an inventory of 1623.
The wounded warrior with a bleeding sword puncture to his chest ,is depicted wearing his neck torc , and lying upon his shield with his discarded martial equipment and trumpet strewn around him. Well-defined carved torso and musculature , the facial expression and pose capturing the vanquished state of the defeated Gaul. The subject is shown naked with the exception of a modesty fig-leaf. Mounted upon an integral moulded oval base.
This sculpture having been skilfully hewn and carved from a single block of Italian green serpentine marble , with a highly-polished finish to the deeply patinated and figured stone . 'Verde Prato' serpentine stone has been quarried near to Prato , North-West of Florence , Italy , for centuries.
A highly sought-after image by wealthy C19th 'Grand Tourists' and connoisseur collectors , examples of the statue grace many of the world's finest museums and country-houses.
Large casts can be seen in the gardens of Blenheim Palace and also Rousham House , Oxfordshire ,England.
This large marble sculpture has been professionally cleaned and subject to some minor historic repairs . Presented in good original condition with no losses , with only minor evidence of old repairs.
W 28"
H 18"
D 13"
Italy c.1880
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| Ref: ML1509 |
Price:
£5,200
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| Imposing C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved serpentine marble sculpture group ,after the antique, of "The Uffizi Wrestlers" |
Imposing C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved serpentine marble sculpture group ,after the antique, of "The Uffizi Wrestlers" . Exceptional quality carved marble group of good scale ,after the original now housed in the Tribuna of the Uffizi Gallery ,Florence ,Italy.
The Roman marble group thought to be modelled after the lost Greek bronze original ,of 3rd century BCE , was discovered in 1583 near Porta S.Giovanni, Rome . Purchased by Cardinal Ferdinando de'Medici , formerly housed at the Villa Medici in Rome before moving to Florence in 1677. In 1800 it was removed together with other treasures to Palermo to escape the French , being returned to the Tribuna in 1803.
Also known as 'The Two Wrestlers' or 'The Pancrastinae' , the group depicts the two young men engaged in a type of martial art combat called Pankration. Their muscular structure is very defined and exaggerated due to their physical and sustained effort. Copies of this iconic sculpture have been reproduced in both marble and bronze both full-size and miniature. Phillipe Magnier produced a marble group c .1684 for the gardens of Versailles, later moved to Marly ,now in the Louvre, Paris.
The group here is carved from a single block of Italian green serpentine marble, with a highly-polished finish to the figured stone . 'Verde Prato' serpentine stone has been quarried near to Prato , North-west of Florence , for centuries. The base is rusticated to portray the earth on which they fight.
Excellent original condition and colour .
Minor historic repairs.
A master class of the marble carvers oeuvre.
A bronze cast of the group by Soldani Benzi of Florence , can be found in the formal garden of Blenheim Palace ,Oxfordshire , England.
H 14"
W 14"
D 6"
Italy c.1880
(For a similar example see Christie's "Claudio Bravo Collection" Sale no. 12938 13/07/2016 Lot no. 11 £6000 ) |
| Ref: MLUW 155 |
Price:
£4,200
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| Fine late C19th carved marble 'Grand Tour' souvenir ink-stand, probably Maltese. |
Fine late C19th carved marble 'Grand Tour' souvenir ink-stand, probably Maltese. Beautifully designed and executed, carved scallop-shell form desk ink-stand or standish. Carved from a single piece of stone , believed to be either Marmo Giallo Antico or Jaune de Valence, with striking figuring and colour. The carved and 'ribbed' shell body has an integral 3-division ink/pen/sand section to the rear.
The reverse of the piece has a clearly incised letter "D" carved to the flat surface. We believe this to be the signature of the famous Maltese marble sculptors , Darmanin & Sons. Renowned for their armorial table-tops and sculptural objects, the firm founded by Giuseppe Darmanin (1779-1863) in about 1800, were the most prominent marble-workers in C19th Malta. Many of their marble-inlaid table-tops feature Mediterranean shells in the decoration , further adding to our attribution.
Darmanin & Sons exhibited at The Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace , London .
Excellent colour and condition with no breaks,chips or repairs. Minor wear inside shell dish from use.
Malta c.1850
W 11.5"
D 10"
H 2"
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| Ref: ML1601 |
Price:
£3,750
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| C19th carved white statuary marble bust of Madame Juliette Recamier after the original study by Joseph Chinard. |
C19th carved white statuary marble bust of Madame Juliette Recaimer after the original study by Joseph Chinard. Sculpted in 1801 the study by Chinard (1756-1813) depicts Juliette Recamier (1777- 1849) ,the society hostess and beauty of the Napoleonic French Empire period. Juliette was celebrated for her beauty and love affairs and the sculpture captures the essence of her beauty.
Coyly looking down ,this study Madame Recamier holds a veil across her chest, the sheath both demurely concealing and revealing her breast. Chinard cleverly compensated for the artificiality of the bust form by elongating the bust to mid-torso and covering the transition between the body and the pedestal with drapery , thus creating a work of surprising naturalism. The softly modelled limbs and the slight twist of her head and shoulders suggest a living presence while the upswept hair held with a scarf, hints at her elegance.
Married at aged 15 to a wealthy lawyer some 30 years her senior, Juliette had a loveless unconsummated marriage and conducted numerous flagrant affairs, the most celebrated with the Prussian Prince Augustus, the youngest brother of King Frederick II. In her Parisian town-house, she held a fashionable literary salon frequented by the political and educated elite. Many of the most accomplished portraitists of the era sculpted, drew and painted her image . Chinard's original terracotta bust was considered the most successful at capturing her spirit and beauty and was produced in different versions in both clay and marble. The study was later copied and reprised by the sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon .
An stunning portrait bust of the highest quality ,depicting an elegant, celebrated and enigmatic woman.
A terracotta version now in J.Paul Getty Museum ,Los Angeles . U.S.A.
A marble bust in the Musee-des-Beaux-Arts , Lyons ,France.
In excellent condition with no damage or repairs. Good consistent gently-aged colour and patina .
H 25"
W 15"
D 10"
France c. 1870
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| Ref: MLTH 1503 |
Price:
£3,500
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| Large late C19th bronzed metal bust of "Paris" after Antonio Canova. |
Large late C19th bronzed metal bust of "Paris" after Antonio Canova .
Highly decorative large-scale bronzed bust after the marble original by the Neoclassical Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822) c.1812.
The technique employed in this bust study is of a type used by the esteemed English company of Elkington & Co., though unmarked by this manufacturer . The bronze patinated body is a skin , or layer , of moulded copper laid over a composition core , resulting in magnificently detailed finish which copies a finely-cast and vastly more costly bronze casting .
The enormously popular Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova frequently made replicas or variants of his major works to satisfy the demand for his art . This particular study is a true-to-scale copy of the marble original , one version of which is in the collection Chicago Institute of Art.
The sculpture depicts the moment in Greek Mythology when the shepherd Paris, ,called by Zeus to judge who was the most beautiful among Hera ,Athena and Aphrodite, turns to gaze at the three goddesses.
Canova exploited the subject to create an ideal head , balancing the geometry of pure forms with the sensuousness of Paris's expression.
Mounted upon an integral circular socle base . The reverse of the bust complete with the sculptor's inscription "Ant .Canova F A 1812" .
Excellent rich 'chocolate' patina throughout. Superb representation of the detail of the marble original .
A beautiful study and copy of the work of the Neoclassical master sculptor.
H 26"
W 16"
D 12"
England or France c.1900 |
| Ref: ML 1705 |
Price:
£2,650
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| Late C19th Italian carved alabaster bust study on pedestal of "The Sorrowing Virgin" |
Late C19th Italian carved alabaster bust study on pedestal of "The Sorrowing Virgin". Well-carved depiction of Mary lamenting the suffering and mourning the death of Christ . Depicted in a cloaked pose with star-edge decoration to the shawl , the sorrowful Virgin clasps the garment to her breast. Mounted by a steel pin upon its original carved alabaster pedestal of tapering spiral-carved / wrythen form , with lobed and carved-leaf detail onto octagonal base. The alabaster of a creamy white aged hue. The bust with minor chips to rear of socle base ,and an old repair to edge of head scarf/shawl. The sectional base / pedestal with minor old chips and repairs . The sections of the pedestal are connected on a central steel rod which has become loose and needs tightening to secure. A powerfully observed study which conveys strong sentiment and emotion. Repairs and stabilising of base ,included in price.
H (whole)67"
H (bust)24"
W (shoulders)18"
Dia (of base of pedestal)13"
Italy, probably Florence c. 1875 |
| Ref: MLSR 156 |
Price:
£2,200
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| Late C19th Italian carved 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved serpentine marble study of "Il Porcellino' or the Ufizzi Boar . |
Late C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved serpentine marble study of "Il Porcellino" or the Ufizzi boar.
Well executed larger scale green serpentine marble marble reduction after the lost ancient Hellenistic original , a bronze version was cast by the Baroque Master Pietro Tacca (1577-1640) , whilst a marble Roman copy is now on display in the Ufizzi Museum, Florence Italy. The sculpture is based upon the Calydoniian Boar of Greek Mythology.
Traditionally Tacca's bronze stood in the Mercato Nuovo in the centre of Florence as a fountain feature , the legend arose of placing a coin in the jaws and rubbing the snout to bring good fortune , resulting in a smooth polished surface.
In excellent condition, with well-detailed hide and fur , wild ferocious eyes and gaping mouth with tusk detail. Raised on a canted corner naturalistically-carved integral plinth base .
H 12"
W 12.5"
D 7.5"
Italy c.1870
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| Ref: ML 1706 |
Price:
£1,900
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| Fine pair of C19th Italian carved serpentine marble 'Grand Tour' souvenir models of the "Medici Lions" , after the antique. |
Fine pair of C19th Italian carved serpentine marble 'Grand Tour' souvenir models of the "Medici Lions" ,after the antique. Well-carved pair of green serpentine marble reductions of the famous white marble lions who have ,since 1789 ,guarded the entrance steps of the Loggia dei Lanzi ,Piazza della Signoria, Florence , Italy. Previously at the 'Villa Medici' ,Rome, where they were sited in 1598. One lion being of ancient 2nd Century origin , the other companion carved in the C16th by Flaminio Vacca.
Both male lions are shown with their front paws raised upon a ball or sphere mounted on canted corner bases.
Minor chips to rear of base of one, and an historic repair to a crack across base of other. Bases lined with old baize .
The selected stone of excellent quality and colour . 'Verde Prato' serpentine stone has been quarried near to Prato , North-west of Florence ,for centuries.
W 9"
H 7"
D 3"
Italy , Florence c. 1870 |
| Ref: MLMC 158 |
Price:
£1,800
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| Fine C19th carved alabaster sculpture study of Lucretia. |
Fine C19th carved alabaster sculpture study of Lucretia. Raised upon a classically decorated architectural plinth , the study of the mortally wounded woman in Roman period costume is believed to depict Lucretia. The subject is shown lain upon an upholstered day-bed with a dagger by her side , the self-inflicted suicidal wound to her breast.
Lucretia was a legendary Roman matron whose fate played a role in the transition from a Roman Kingdom into a Roman Republic. Her suicide after being raped by an Etruscan king's son, Tarquinius, was an immediate cause of the anti-monarchist rebellion that overthrew the monarchy. The incident kindled the flames of dissatisfaction over the tyrannical methods of the last King of Rome , Lucius Tarquinius Superbus .As a result of its sheer impact , the rape itself became a major theme in European art and literature.
In excellent condition and of good colour with a good ,aged ,smooth surface. Fine carved detail to the folds of cloth on the figure and well modelled feet ,hands and face. The figure sits upon pins to the plinth and is detachable. Crisply-carved architectural element details to the plinth base ,wth classical flower-head and leaf carving to central frieze . Minor chip to reverse edge of base.
W 12"
D 5"
H 10"
Italy c. 1870 |
| Ref: ML 1511 |
Price:
£1,600
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| Late C19th Italian carved alabaster 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture, after the antique , "The Medici Lion". |
Late C19th Italian carved alabaster 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture, after the antique, "The Medici Lion". Well-executed carved alabaster model of good scale depicting the iconic Medici lion . The sculpture has striking black and grey veining to the stone , particularly to the head and mane areas of the lion. Mounted upon an integral canted-corner plinth base.
The lion is depicted with its paw raised upon a sphere or ball, the tail coiled beneath his hind quarters. The mouth of the beast is portrayed as half-open displaying the teeth , alluding to its ferocity .
Excellent attention to detail with well-carved mane and coat , with rib-cage definition and defined musculature expressing the power and majesty of the subject.
The Lion and his companion sculpture guard the entrance steps of the Loggia Dei Lanzi , Piazza della Signoria, Florence ,Italy. Previously sited at the 'Villa Medici' Rome from 1598 , until moved to their present site in 1789. Of the two , one lion being of ancient 2nd century origin , whilst the companion sculpture was carved in the C16th by Flaminio Vacca. This sculpture being a copy of Vacca's lion , with the ball under it's left front paw and modelled to 'sinister' .
A minor historic professionally repaired crack to one corner of the plinth base.
No chips , cracks, repairs or losses to the lion .
H 10"
W 14"
D 6"
Italy c. 1880
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| Ref: ML 165 |
Price:
£1,600
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| Late C18th/early C19th carved marble bust study of child .
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Late C18th/early C19th carved marble bust study of child . Charming classically posed white statutary marble bust study of child with drapes around the shoulders, raised upon an integral socle base . Good detail to folds of cloth and decorative detail to edges of gown .
Has been displayed outside , hence some weathering to surface but crucially no major wear to detail or deep damage to surface.
Minor chip to rear base of socle .
H 15"
D 5"
England c.1800 |
| Ref: MLM 159 |
Price:
£1,250
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| C19th 'Country-house' cast plaster classical figure. |
C19th 'Country-house' cast plaster classical figure. Interesting plaster figure of classical male subject depicted nude in contrapposto pose with raised arm , the torso wrapped in a fishing net . The figure stands upon a naturalistically modelled base against a rocky outcrop background . Of good scale with a worn grey paint finish in imitation of lead , some minor old repairs .
Flat-backed and flat right-hand side , probably conceived to stand in a hall-way or stair-way niche.
Figures of this type were produced in demand for classically-inspired decorative schemes and manufactured by firms such as the Italian-born Domenico Brucciani & Co. of London. Such figures were taken from marble works of Greek and Roman antiquity , and were regarded as essential requisites for the cultured interiors of well-travelled and educated gentlemen .
The 'Cast Courts' of the Victorian and Albert Museum , London , hold a vast and varied collection and examples of this type of art form .
H 40"
D 12"
W 14"
England c. 1840 |
| Ref: ML 1512 |
Price:
£1,200
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| Pair of late C19th Italian carved alabaster 'Grand Tour' souvenir "Medici Lions". |
Pair of late C19th Italian carved alabaster 'Grand Tour' souvenir "Medici Lions".
Well-carved pair of alabaster lions modelled after the antique original, now sited with his companion at the Loggia Dei Lanzi, Piazza Della Signoria, Florence, Italy. Previously sited at the Villa Medici , Rome from 1598 until moved to its present location in 1789. The original marble lion being of ancient 2nd century origin , the companion carved in the C16th by Flaminio Vacca.
Both male lions are depicted with with their front paws raised upon a ball or sphere. Good carved detail to the manes and bodies, raised on integral two-tier canted corner plinth bases.
In excellent condition, with minor marks but no breaks, repairs or losses.
H 9"
W 10"
D 4"
Italy c.1870 |
| Ref: ML 1703 |
Price:
£1,200
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| Late C19th Italian carved alabaster 'Grand Tour' souvenir sculpture, after the antique, of "Spinario "or "The Thorn Puller". |
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 |
| Ref: ML 1703 |
Price:
£1,150
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| Early C20th French plaster library bust of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. |
Early C20th French plaster library bust of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa .
Life-size plaster copy of the marble original now housed in the Louvre Museum , Paris , France. A cast produced by the 'Musee Du Louvre' , and bears their impressed stamp to rear .
The marble original was acquired by Napoleon in 1807 from the Borghese collection . The marble bust was discovered in 1792 at a property in Gabies belonging to Prince Camille Borghese. Hence the bust is known as the "Agrippa De Gabies"
A Roman copy of the lost original , it depicts the stern-faced his head Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (63-12 BC ) general and son-in-law of the Emperor Augustus.
Agrippa was a Roman statesman ,consul , general and architect. As well as his important military victories ,most famously defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, he was partially responsible for helping to create Rome as a city of marble and many of the most notable buildings in the history of Rome including the original Pantheon ,and creation and renovation of the acqueducts giving Romans of all social classes, access to water and public services . He became praetor,governor, consul ,edile and a patron of the arts.
Patinated plaster simulating the colours of the aged marble original . Head turned slightly to the left, raised upon a circular waisted socle base with shaped mount. This powerful portrait bust study emanates authority and determination in its sober simplicity .
Has minor damage/chip to edge one ear.
H 24"
W 12"
D 10"
France c.1920
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| Ref: ML 1610 |
Price:
£950
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| Late C19th/early C20th neo-classical terracotta statue "Venus Italica" after Canova. |
Late C19th /early C20th neo-classical terracotta statue "Venus Italica" after Canova.
Well-modelled terracotta sculpture after an 1812 marble original sculpted by Antonio Canova (1757-1822). Canova's famous white marble Venus Italica is in the Pitti Palace , Florence , Italy . Taking its inspiration from the antique Greco-Romano copy of a Hellenistic Aphrodite rising from the Sea, it draws its influences from other versions of Venus Pudica (Venus concealing her modesty) in antiquity. Ludovici I , King of Etruria ,
gave Canova the commission for the original figure in 1802 , asking him to interpret the magnificent white marble Venus de Medicis , which at the time was in France, having been seized and carried off by Napoleon (Now returned to Florence and in the Uffizi). In the Pitti Palace this sculpture stands in the 'Sala di Venere' ( 'Room of the Venus' ).
Canova created several versions of the subject , working on his Venus Italica from 1804 until its completion in 1812. Canova's neo-classical adaption portrays the beautiful goddess clutching drapery to her breast in a gesture both seductive and coy.
The Italian Antonio Canova is regarded as the greatest of the neo-classical artists, famous for his marble sculptures.
Good large-scale decorative neo-classical statue in excellent condition with no damage or repairs . Has weathering , moss and lichen due to exposure to the elements from its previous location as a garden centrepiece.
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Would enhance an interior or exterior scheme.
H 47"
W 16"
D 16"
England or Italy c.1900 |
| Ref: ML 1611 |
Price:
£950
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| Pair of C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved serpentine marble models of "Jennings Dog". |
Pair of C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved serpentine marble models of "Jennings Dog" after the antique. The dog being a Roman sculpture of a Molossian guard-dog with a docked tail, named after its first 'modern' owner Henry Constantine Jennings, who acquired it during his stay in Rome for £80 ,sometime between 1753 and 1756 quoting "a fine dog it was, and a lucky dog was I to purchase it". It is a 2nd century AD Roman copy of a Hellenistic bronze original probably from 2nd century BC. The study showing the immense physicality and power of this impressive canine specimen .
Now on permanent display in The British Museum having been saved for the nation (see photo below). Also known as the "Hound of Alcibiades", by legend the Greek statesman who owned such a fierce dog and docked its tail to invoke pity from the Athenians and distract them from his worst deeds. Also latterly known as "Duncombes Dog",when in 1778 , Jennings was forced to sell the sculpture in settlement of his gambling debts and it was sold at Phillips for £1000 to the Rt.Hon Charles Duncombe. Subsequently it stood guard for 150 years in the entrance hall at Duncombe Park ,Yorks, before being sold by descendents in 2001 , and thence to the national collection after export was deferred and $950,000 raised by appeal to secure it.
A similar pair of antique mastiff sculptures in marble are on view in the Belvedere Court of the Vatican Museums .
Both dogs of good colour and patina and with finely detailed carving. Minor chip to snout of one dog .
'Verde Prato' serpentine stone has been quarried for centuries near to Prato , North-west of Florence.
Nice scale and a 'handed' pair.
H 7"
Bases 6" x 3".
Italy c.1880 |
| Ref: ML138 |
Price:
£900
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| Late C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved alabaster sculpture group after Giambologna "The Abduction of the Sabine Women". |
Late C19th Italian 'Grand Tour' souvenir carved alabaster sculpture group after Giambologna "The Abduction of the Sabine Women".
Expertly carved alabaster sculptural group after the iconic C16th marble original now situated in the Loggia dei Lanza in Piazza Della Signoria , Florence , Italy . The "Kidnapping of the Sabine Women" is an episode in the legendary history of Rome , traditionally dated to 750 BC , in which the first generation of Roman men acquired wives for themselves from the neighbouring Sabine families.
The sculptural group completed in 1582 , is considered the masterpiece of C16th Italian-Flemish sculptor Giambologna and was carved from a single block of white marble.
This alabaster reduction also carved from a single block of stone ,has sadly acquired some damage and losses , but nonetheless is a skilful and largely intact representation which conveys the power and striking visual impact of the original .
The fingers of the hands of both the raised woman and the two male figures have both been damaged and missing . In addition it has some historic 'country-house' repairs to the raised arm of the woman and the head of the main male figure.
The alabaster has acquired , through natural aging and polishing , a lustrous 'skin' or surface, giving the appearance of white statuary marble .
H 22"
W 6"
D 6"
Italy c. 1880 |
| Ref: ML 1611 |
Price:
£800
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