Excellent Italian Antique (Ca. 1880s) Bronze Statue of Narcissus

19th century

Sold by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Description

A fine large 'Grand Tour' late 19th Century (ca. 1880s) patinated bronze sculpture of the ancient Roman hunter Narcissus, created after the discovery of the original statue (1 Century BC - 1 Century AD) in the House of Narcissus in Pompeii, 1862. He stands with his head slightly bowed to the right, his right arm raised with a goat skin slung over his left shoulder, his legs slightly apart and wearing sandals. The circular base has two bands of leaf-cast decoration. It has an inscription (signature) I am unable to read (see photo), but it is probably cast by Vincenzo Gemito (1852-1929). 64cm high x 25cm dia base, weight 8.35kg.

Superb original condition and patina. Beautifully modelled and cast.

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. A hunter distinguished for his beauty, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and was transformed into the narcissus flower.

Physical Dimensions

Height

64cm (25.20")

Width

25cm (9.84")

Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1136556

Dealers Internal Reference

AD654

Description

A fine large 'Grand Tour' late 19th Century (ca.

“

1880s) patinated bronze sculpture of the ancient Roman hunter Narcissus, created after the discovery of the original statue (1 Century BC - 1 Century AD) in the House of Narcissus in Pompeii, 1862.

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

He stands with his head slightly bowed to the right, his right arm raised with a goat skin slung over his left shoulder, his legs slightly apart and wearing sandals. The circular base has two bands of leaf-cast decoration. It has an inscription (signature) I am unable to read (see photo), but it is probably cast by Vincenzo Gemito (1852-1929). 64cm high x 25cm dia base, weight 8.35kg.

fig 1. Excellent Italian Antique (ca. 1880s) Bronze Statue of Narcissus — fig 1. Excellent Italian Antique (Ca. 1880s) Bronze Statue of Narcissus

Superb original condition and patina. Beautifully modelled and cast.

In Greek mythology, Narcissus was the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. A hunter distinguished for his beauty, Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and was transformed into the narcissus flower.