Late C19th Italian ‘Grand Tour’ Souvenir , After the Antique, Cast Bronze Bust Study of “The Pseudo Seneca” .

Late C19th Italian ‘Grand Tour’ souvenir, after the antique , cast bronze bust study of “ The Pseudo Seneca” .

Neapolitan cast bronze bust of the ancient original excavated at Herculaneum in the Villa of the Papyri in 1754 . This copy of the original Roman 1st AD bust is mounted upon a block of rare figured jasper quartz marble.

The subject was originally believed to depict Seneca the Younger , the notable Roman philosopher, because its emaciated features were thought to reflect his Stoic philosophy. Modern scholars however agree it is likely a fictitious portrait probably intended for Hesiod or Aristophanes. The bust is now conserved in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale , Naples .

A faithful copy having superb detail and casting , with a rich consistent colour and patina. The striking highly-figured jasper marble block base having various minor historic chips and losses .

Probably produced by Chiurazzi Foundry , Naples ,Italy.

*NB An identical bronze bust study of Seneca by Sommer Foundry , Naples , of similar scale sold Christie’s , London 31/01/ 2018 , Lot 2 £3000

H 12”

W 6”

D 7”

Italy c.1890

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