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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1153828
FOR SALE
£2,800
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Ormolu Bust of Apollo Ex Gianni Versace Collection
Cella
for sale €3,276     $3,556
£2,800

Cella

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2019
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  • About Us
    Specialists in the grand tour and french decorative objects, clocks and furniture, circa 1780-1880.
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Id #SA1153828
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Ormolu Bust of Apollo Ex Gianni Versace Collection

19th century
For Sale by Cella
Description

A fine early 19th century French Empire period ormolu gilt bronze bust of the Apollo Belvedere on a Marbre Vert green marble base. Beautifully cast and chased example probably from an important Empire clock. The Apollo of the Belvedere, or the Pythian Apollo, is now thought to be a Roman copy of a lost bronze originally made between 350 and 325 BC by the Greek sculptor Leochares. Named after The Cortile del Belvedere at the Vatican Palace in Rome where it is displayed. Attractive early piece with an important provenance. France, circa 1810.

Provenance: From the collection of Gianni Versace, Villa Fontanelle Moltrasio. Sold Sotheby's 'Paintings, Furniture and Works of Art from the Collection of Gianni Versace', 19th March 2009, lot 259.

Physical Dimensions
Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
17cm (6.69")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Declaration

Cella has dated this Gilt Bronze Apollo Bust to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1153828
Dealers Internal Reference
CA1022
Dealers Notes

Based in London, we are dealers in fine decorative antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. We specialise in this era of enlightenment, neoclassicism and the Grand Tour, with its far reaching influence on style and taste in Britain, Continental Europe and beyond: elegance in the age of Napoleon. Our extensive stock covers all aspects of this period and decorative antiques influenced by the period. We constantly source new, beautiful items and upload to our site regularly. We are first and foremost antique collectors with over thirty years of experience; we only buy what we love and we hope you will too. Additional images can be supplied on request. More items are available on our website http://www.cellantiques.co.uk. We ship worldwide.

Description
A fine early 19th century French Empire period ormolu gilt bronze bust of the Apollo Belvedere on a Marbre Vert green marble base. Beautifully cast and chased example probably from an important Empire clock.
“
The Apollo of the Belvedere, or the Pythian Apollo, is now thought to be a Roman copy of a lost bronze originally made between 350 and 325 BC by the Greek sculptor Leochares.
Cella

Named after The Cortile del Belvedere at the Vatican Palace in Rome where it is displayed. Attractive early piece with an important provenance. France, circa 1810.

Provenance: From the collection of Gianni Versace, Villa Fontanelle Moltrasio. Sold Sotheby's 'Paintings, Furniture and Works of Art from the Collection of Gianni Versace', 19th March 2009, lot 259.

Height
14cm (5.51")
Width
17cm (6.69")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Date of Manufacture

Cella has dated this Gilt Bronze Apollo Bust to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1153828
Dealers Internal Ref
CA1022
Cella
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2019

Specialists in the grand tour and french decorative objects, clocks and furniture, circa 1780-1880.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Cella Profile Page

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A gilded bronze bust depicting Apollo with curly hair and draped clothing mounted on a square green marble plinth.
1 / 5
Archive I A gilded bronze bust depicting Apollo with curly hair and draped clothing mounted on a square green marble plinth.

Ormolu bust of Apollo ex Gianni Versace collection

Archive II A gilded bronze bust depicting Apollo with curly hair and draped clothing mounted on a square green marble plinth. View II
Archive III A gilded bronze bust depicting Apollo with curly hair and draped clothing mounted on a square green marble plinth. View III
Archive IV A gilded bronze bust depicting Apollo with curly hair and draped clothing mounted on a square green marble plinth. View IV
Archive V A gilded bronze bust depicting Apollo with curly hair and draped clothing mounted on a square green marble plinth. View V
Enlarged Archival View

Cella
Telephone 020 8299 4945
Location
London
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/cellantiques
Verified Since May 2019
Items For Sale 75
Items Sold 300
Cella
Verified Since May 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/cellantiques
Verified
May 2019
For Sale
75
Sold
300
A gilded bronze bust depicting Apollo with curly hair and draped clothing mounted on a square green marble plinth.
Ormolu bust of Apollo ex Gianni Versace collection
Ref: SA1153828
A gilded bronze bust depicting Apollo with curly hair and draped clothing mounted on a square green marble plinth.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

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FAQs

Neoclassical ormolu busts feature subjects inspired by ancient Greek and Roman mythology or history, cast in bronze and finished with fire-gilding. Popularised in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, these decorative pieces combined classical symmetry with fire-gilded finishes.

These sculptures were cast in bronze using the lost-wax or sand-casting method and subsequently mercury-gilded to achieve a bright gold surface finish. Bases were commonly fashioned from polished architectural marbles, such as Verde Antico, to provide contrast and stability.

Authentic antique ormolu displays fine hand-chased details in the metalwork, subtle oxidisation in recessed areas, and evidence of hand-finishing on the reverse. Additionally, original mercury gilding exhibits a soft sheen and subtle texture distinct from modern electroplated finishes.

A Neoclassical bust serves as a central focal point on a fireplace mantelpiece, executive desk, or curated bookshelf. Placing the gilded metallic finish against dark wall tones or minimalist backgrounds creates a balance between historic artistry and contemporary interior design.

Gilt bronze should be dusted gently with a dry, soft microfiber cloth or camel-hair brush, avoiding abrasive polishes or chemical cleaners that strip delicate gilding. Marble bases should be wiped with a slightly damp cloth and kept free of acidic substances to prevent surface etching.
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