Mid C19th Italian ‘Grand Tour’ Souvenir Bronze Study of a Charioteer with Two Horses Mounted Upon a White Marble Plinth Base.

Mid C19th Italian ‘Grand Tour’ souvenir bronze study of a charioteer with two horses mounted upon a white marble plinth base.

The animated standing figure of the helmeted charioteer holding a whip in his left hand and restraining the rearing horses with the reins in his right hand . The chariot having well-cast details to the outer body and further cast detail to the interior.

The detailed cast spoke wheels of the carriage with vitruvian scrolls to the rims and with cast lion’s mask hub centres , the central shaft or spar between the horses having a ram’s head terminal .

The two horses depicted in a rearing, restrained pose , conveying their strength and power , being harnessed and reined with a yoke across their backs . The heads and manes of the horses with well-cast details.

This form of light chariot pulled by two horses was known as a ‘biga’ , and was used in ancient Roman times for transportation , ceremonial processions and racing . The British Museum has a 1st-2nd century B.C bronze model of a biga , showing it was made from bent , lashed wood with a similar ram’s head yoke pole .

The study mounted upon its original white marble rectangular plinth base .

In excellent original condition with a consistent colour and patina .

A well-modelled and presented group portraying an evocative classical Roman era chariot and equestrian subject.

H 9”

W 12”

D 6”

Italy c.1860

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