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ID #SA1223309
FOR SALE
£475
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Gilt Bronze Bust of Ajax, C.1880
Harrington Antiques
for sale €556     $603
£475
Harrington Antiques

Harrington Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2021
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Gilt Bronze Bust of Ajax, C.1880

19th century
Description

A handsome French gilt bronze of good proportions depicting 'Ajax', after the antique.

Ajax is recorded in The Illiad as a, ‘tower of strength to the Achaeans’ and, ‘the best man among the Thracians, being both brave and of great stature’. Helen of Troy described him as, ‘huge Ajax, bulwark of the Achaeans’. He is one of the strongest warriors for the Achaeans, second only to his cousin Achilles. His epic duel with Hector, resulting in a tie, is detailed in the seventh book of the famed poem by Homer.

The eagle to the front of the helmet relates to the eagle which was sent as a sign from Zeus (Ajax's grandfather) at the time of Ajax’s birth, and the scene to the top of the helmet symbolises Ajax's education from Chiron the centaur.

The bronze has some light signs of wear in areas commensurate with age, a very small nick to the helmet front, a small dink to the back of the stand and a small nick to the neck; all very small but mentioned for completeness (please see photographs). Generally the whole bronze is in a very good condition and displays extremely well.

Dimensions:-

Height: 26cm

Width: 13cm

Depth: 11cm

DELIVERY

UK Mainland: FREE

International Delivery: Please contact us for a shipping quote.

Physical Dimensions
Height
26cm (10.24")
Width
13cm (5.12")
Depth
11cm (4.33")
Declaration

Harrington Antiques has dated this Gilt Bronze Ajax Bust to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1223309
Dealers Internal Reference
8031
Dealers Notes

PAYMENT

We accept payment via debit card, credit card, Paypal, bank transfer or cheque. We also offer a 'Pay In 3' payment service through our website.

RETURNS

We are sure that you will be delighted with your purchase. Nonetheless, to ensure you have complete peace of mind, we offer a 14 day money back guarantee.

The purchased item may be returned, in its original condition, within 14 days from receipt. Return carriage costs are the responsibility of the buyer. For larger pieces requiring a specialist courier service, we will arrange your return for you with the cost being deducted from the refund (this cost will never exceed the original charge paid).

We ask that a trackable signature method of shipping is used for the return of smaller items as we cannot be held responsible for items lost in transit.

Should you have any queries at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Description
A handsome French gilt bronze of good proportions depicting 'Ajax', after the antique.
“
Ajax is recorded in The Illiad as a, ‘tower of strength to the Achaeans’ and, ‘the best man among the Thracians, being both brave and of great stature’.
Harrington Antiques

Helen of Troy described him as, ‘huge Ajax, bulwark of the Achaeans’. He is one of the strongest warriors for the Achaeans, second only to his cousin Achilles. His epic duel with Hector, resulting in a tie, is detailed in the seventh book of the famed poem by Homer.

fig 1. A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base.
fig 1. Gilt Bronze Bust of Ajax, C.1880

The eagle to the front of the helmet relates to the eagle which was sent as a sign from Zeus (Ajax's grandfather) at the time of Ajax’s birth, and the scene to the top of the helmet symbolises Ajax's education from Chiron the centaur.

fig 2. A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base.
fig 2. Gilt Bronze Bust of Ajax, C.1880

The bronze has some light signs of wear in areas commensurate with age, a very small nick to the helmet front, a small dink to the back of the stand and a small nick to the neck; all very small but mentioned for completeness (please see photographs). Generally the whole bronze is in a very good condition and displays extremely well.

Dimensions:-

Height: 26cm

Width: 13cm

Depth: 11cm

DELIVERY

UK Mainland: FREE

International Delivery: Please contact us for a shipping quote.

Height
26cm (10.24")
Width
13cm (5.12")
Depth
11cm (4.33")
Date of Manufacture

Harrington Antiques has dated this Gilt Bronze Ajax Bust to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1223309
Dealers Internal Ref
8031
Harrington Antiques
Harrington Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2021

Antiques & decorative interior pieces.

Dealer Profile

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

Relevant Links
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SAVE
A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base.
1 / 15
Archive I A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base.

Gilt Bronze Bust Of Ajax, c.1880

Archive II A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View II
Archive III A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View III
Archive IV A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View IV
Archive V A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View V
Archive VI A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View VI
Archive VII A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View VII
Archive VIII A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View VIII
Archive IX A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View IX
Archive X A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View X
Archive XI A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View XI
Archive XII A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View XII
Archive XIII A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View XIII
Archive XIV A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View XIV
Archive XV A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Harrington Antiques

Harrington Antiques
Telephone 07552 767190
Location
Devon
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/harringtonantiques
Verified Since Mar 2021
Items For Sale 87
Items Sold 801
Harrington Antiques
Harrington Antiques
Verified Since Mar 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Devon, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/harringtonantiques
Verified
Mar 2021
For Sale
87
Sold
801
A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base.
Gilt Bronze Bust Of Ajax, c.1880
Ref: SA1223309
A nineteenth-century gilt bronze sculptural bust depicting the classical hero Ajax in profile, wearing an ornate helmet and mounted on a turned pedestal base.
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FAQs

Neoclassical bronze busts emerged during the 18th and 19th centuries, driven by a renewed interest in classical antiquity and the Grand Tour. Sculptors drew direct inspiration from Greek and Roman mythology, fashioning busts of heroes, gods, and philosophers to decorate private libraries and grand residences across Europe.

These sculptures were typically cast in bronze using the lost-wax (cire perdue) or sand-casting method. Decorative details were refined by hand-chasing, after which a layer of gold was applied through fire-gilding or electroplating to achieve a durable metallic finish.

Authentic period bronzes display precise hand-chasing on finer details such as hair and armor, crisp casting lines, and genuine age-related surface patination. The weight of the metal, presence of foundry marks, and evidence of historical gilding techniques also indicate authenticity.

A classical bronze bust can be styled as a focal accent on a mantlepiece, bookshelf, or executive desk. Juxtaposing the dark gilded metallic texture against clean modern lines or minimalist backdrops creates visual contrast in contemporary living spaces.

Dust gilt bronze regularly using a clean, soft-bristled brush or dry microfibre cloth. Avoid abrasive polishes, water, or chemical cleaners, as these can strip the original gilded layer and accelerate metallic oxidation.
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