Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze Figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’

Name: Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze Figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1060862
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A fine quality late 19th century (circa 1880) French Grand Tour bronze figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’ after the Hellenistic original marble sculpture.

This figure consists of a male nude warrior rather than a Gladiator, thought to be in combat with a warrior on horseback, he stands leaning forward with his right leg, his left arm outstretched in front of him with his left leg stretched out behind him, the tree trunk having a signature in Greek translating to ‘Agasias son of the Dositheus, Ephesus’ with the Collas reduction stamp.

The original marble sculpture dating from c 100BC and carved by the sculptor Agasias of Ephesus is believed to be a copy of an earlier statue, it was first recorded in 1611 whilst undergoing restoration in Italy, once in the collection of the Borghese family where the figure gained its name and remaining in the Borghese collection until being sold with other items from the collection in 1807 to Napoleon Bonaparte, the sculpture now being in the Louvre in Paris.

Other known copies of the statue include a bronze cast by the sculptor Hubert le Sueur in 1629-30 for Charles I, now in the Royal Collection, Windsor Castle and another bronze cast in 1645 produced for the gardens at Wilton, now at Houghton Hall in the main stair well.

Although this figure is still widely known as a ‘Gladiator’ by the early 18th century many commentators were suggesting the figure was that of a warrior, some examples of the figure hold a shield and sword although the original marble sculpture had neither of these so ours is in the form of the original.

Although a foundry stamp for Barbedienne is not evident on this bronze, there is no doubt it was produced by a good foundry and also having the ‘Collas’ reduction stamp indicates it was most probably produced by Barbedienne.

The Barbedienne foundry was set up in 1838 by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Achille Collas, Collas invented a machine to create smaller bronze figures from statues of Greek & Roman origin in particular, of which this bronze is an example of. This foundry produced many fine pieces over the years and worked closely with many artists, two of the most famous being Barye and Rodin.

This bronze figure is in excellent condition for age, and can go straight into a home or collection.

Size:

Height: 14.25'' / 36.25cm

Width: 10.25'' / 26cm

Depth: 6.5'' / 16.5cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

36.2cm (14.25")

Width

26cm (10.24")

Depth

16.5cm (6.50")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this piece to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1060862

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1406

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

A fine quality late 19th century (circa 1880) French Grand Tour bronze figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’ after the Hellenistic original marble sculpture.

This figure consists of a male nude warrior rather than a Gladiator, thought to be in combat with a warrior on horseback, he stands leaning forward with his right leg, his left arm outstretched in front of him with his left leg stretched out behind him, the tree trunk having a signature in Greek translating to ‘Agasias son of the Dositheus, Ephesus’ with the Collas reduction stamp.

fig 1. Fine quality late 19th century French Grand Tour bronze figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’ — fig 1. Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze Figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’

The original marble sculpture dating from c 100BC and carved by the sculptor Agasias of Ephesus is believed to be a copy of an earlier statue, it was first recorded in 1611 whilst undergoing restoration in Italy, once in the collection of the Borghese family where the figure gained its name and remaining in the Borghese collection until being sold with other items from the collection in 1807 to Napoleon Bonaparte, the sculpture now being in the Louvre in Paris.

fig 2. Fine quality late 19th century French Grand Tour bronze figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’ — fig 2. Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze Figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’

Other known copies of the statue include a bronze cast by the sculptor Hubert le Sueur in 1629-30 for Charles I, now in the Royal Collection, Windsor Castle and another bronze cast in 1645 produced for the gardens at Wilton, now at Houghton Hall in the main stair well.

fig 3. Fine quality late 19th century French Grand Tour bronze figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’ — fig 3. Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze Figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’

Although this figure is still widely known as a ‘Gladiator’ by the early 18th century many commentators were suggesting the figure was that of a warrior, some examples of the figure hold a shield and sword although the original marble sculpture had neither of these so ours is in the form of the original.

fig 4. Fine quality late 19th century French Grand Tour bronze figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’ — fig 4. Fine Quality Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Bronze Figure of the ‘Borghese Gladiator’

Although a foundry stamp for Barbedienne is not evident on this bronze, there is no doubt it was produced by a good foundry and also having the ‘Collas’ reduction stamp indicates it was most probably produced by Barbedienne.

The Barbedienne foundry was set up in 1838 by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Achille Collas, Collas invented a machine to create smaller bronze figures from statues of Greek & Roman origin in particular, of which this bronze is an example of.

“

This foundry produced many fine pieces over the years and worked closely with many artists, two of the most famous being Barye and Rodin.

LVS Decorative Arts

This bronze figure is in excellent condition for age, and can go straight into a home or collection.

Size:

Height: 14.25'' / 36.25cm

Width: 10.25'' / 26cm

Depth: 6.5'' / 16.5cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

36.2cm (14.25")

Width