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-2n
...d 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
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-forward 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 the website Selling Antiques .co.uk showcases our range of stock, whilst more items are available to view on our website. Please visit us on:
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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 265
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1212354
Dateline of this antique is 1860
Height is 23cm (9.1inches)Width is 30cm (11.8inches)Depth is 15cm (5.9inches)
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