Large mid C19th Italian ‘Grand Tour’ souvenir bronze sculpture, after the antique, of Silenus cradling the Infant Bacchus.
Good large-scale bronze reduction of the sculptural group regarded as one of the masterpieces of antiquity, originally carved in marble by Praxiteles, a renowned Ancient Greek Attic sculptor. In Greek mythology Silenus is known as the chief of the satyrs, a troup of male companions of Pan and Dionysus who roamed the woods and mountains. He is depicted holding his foster son , Bacchus, the Roman god of wine , who is crowned with grapes leaves.
In the mid 16th century a large marble statue was discovered in Rome , a Roman copy of a bronze work by the famous Greek sculptor Lysippos , which had been lost . The statue now preserved and exhibited at the Louvre. Paris , France , presents Silenus as an elderly hero lovingly holding the infant Bacchus in his arms. Cardinal Ferdinando de Medici obtained permission to have a cast made in bronze from the original marble work , of which this work offered here is a copy.
Well-defined casting with superb detail to the subjects , especially the facial features, musculature and vine-wrapped tree-trunk support.
In excellent original condition with a rich colour and patina, with only minor high-points.
An impressive large scale classical bronze sculpture of great presence .
The bronze Medici copy sculpture is exhibited in the Verone covered loggia over the river Arno at the Uffizi Museum, in Florence , Italy .
Bronze reduction casts such as this , were produced in Italy during the C18th and C19th as souvenirs for wealthy tourists and collectors completing the cultural ‘Grand Tour’ of the sites and sights of classical Europe.
H 24”
W 10”
D 9”
Italy 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-for
...ward 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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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 . Our inventory on Selling Antiques showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:
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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 Reference: ML 239
Antique Number: SA1014712
Dateline of this antique is 19th Century
Height is 60cm (23.6inches)Width is 25cm (9.8inches)Depth is 22cm (8.7inches)
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