Late C19th Italian Neapolitan Bronze Bust Study of Seneca , After the Antique, Known as the "Pseudo Seneca".

Name: Late C19th Italian Neapolitan Bronze Bust Study of Seneca , After the Antique, Known as the "Pseudo Seneca".
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA435800
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by M Lees and Sons

Description

Late C19th Italian Neapolitan bronze bust study of Seneca , after the antique , known as the "Pseudo Seneca".

Arresting bronze study known as the "Psuedo Seneca" , after the Roman 1st century BCE original , having been excavated at ill-fated Herculaneum from the site of the Villa of the Papyri in 1754. The Papyrus Villa belonged to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus , father-in-law of Julius Caesar , and was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 .

Originally thought to depict Seneca the Younger , Lucius Annaeus Seneca , the notable Roman philosopher, because it was assumed the bust's emancipated features were supposed to reflect his Stoic philosophy . However latterly ,scholars now believe it to be a fictitious portrait , either Hesiod or Aristophanes.

The head study displays a remarkable quality of workmanship with the casting of the accentuated wrinkles and folds of the face and forehead of the man . The intentionally unruly locks of his hair and wrinkly neck contrast openly with the unwavering , penetrating gaze .

Almost certainly a bronze cast in Naples and probably by the Chiurazzi Foundry , who were licensed to produce high-quality bronze copies such as this ,from the antique originals . The original bust now conserved and exhibited in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale , Naples Italy.

Evocative and authentic verdigris 'faux' excavation patination as the original , with some areas of brighter green verdigris showing , particularly evident on the shoulder. The eyes with fragmented white inlays (possibly slips of alabaster) , also as portrayed in the antique original .

Mounted on a shaped and turned figured pale yellow Siena marble socle with some evidence of verdigris staining from probably having been sited with minor exposure to the weather elements at some period . Fixed to the socle with the original bolts , supported at the rear by an integrally-cast open strut .

A striking visual composition and a faithfully cast copy of the antique original.

(* an identical copy of this bust sold Christies , London , 13/07/2016 "The Claudio Bravo Collection" Sale No. 12938 Lot No. 124. £4375 )

H 18"

W 9"

D 9"

Italy , Naples c.1880

Physical Dimensions

Height

45cm (17.72")

Width

23cm (9.06")

Depth

23cm (9.06")

Declaration

M Lees and Sons has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA435800

Dealers Internal Reference

ML 1611

Dealers Notes

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 .

Whether buying for pleasure , decoration or investment, we welcome you to our web-site or premises .

Past projects have included advising clients on forming and disposing of collections , furnishing period properties , hotel and commercial projects , also a shoot-room and lodge .

All goods are available to view and owned by M.Lees & Sons .

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.

Description

Late C19th Italian Neapolitan bronze bust study of Seneca , after the antique , known as the "Pseudo Seneca".

“

Arresting bronze study known as the "Psuedo Seneca" , after the Roman 1st century BCE original , having been excavated at ill-fated Herculaneum from the site of the Villa of the Papyri in 1754.

M Lees and Sons

The Papyrus Villa belonged to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus , father-in-law of Julius Caesar , and was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 .

fig 1. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan bronze bust study of Seneca , after the antique, known as the — fig 1. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan Bronze Bust Study of Seneca , After the Antique, Known as the "Pseudo Seneca".

Originally thought to depict Seneca the Younger , Lucius Annaeus Seneca , the notable Roman philosopher, because it was assumed the bust's emancipated features were supposed to reflect his Stoic philosophy . However latterly ,scholars now believe it to be a fictitious portrait , either Hesiod or Aristophanes.

fig 2. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan bronze bust study of Seneca , after the antique, known as the — fig 2. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan Bronze Bust Study of Seneca , After the Antique, Known as the "Pseudo Seneca".

The head study displays a remarkable quality of workmanship with the casting of the accentuated wrinkles and folds of the face and forehead of the man . The intentionally unruly locks of his hair and wrinkly neck contrast openly with the unwavering , penetrating gaze .

fig 3. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan bronze bust study of Seneca , after the antique, known as the — fig 3. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan Bronze Bust Study of Seneca , After the Antique, Known as the "Pseudo Seneca".

Almost certainly a bronze cast in Naples and probably by the Chiurazzi Foundry , who were licensed to produce high-quality bronze copies such as this ,from the antique originals . The original bust now conserved and exhibited in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale , Naples Italy.

fig 4. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan bronze bust study of Seneca , after the antique, known as the — fig 4. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan Bronze Bust Study of Seneca , After the Antique, Known as the "Pseudo Seneca".

Evocative and authentic verdigris 'faux' excavation patination as the original , with some areas of brighter green verdigris showing , particularly evident on the shoulder. The eyes with fragmented white inlays (possibly slips of alabaster) , also as portrayed in the antique original .

fig 5. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan bronze bust study of Seneca , after the antique, known as the — fig 5. Late C19th Italian Neapolitan Bronze Bust Study of Seneca , After the Antique, Known as the "Pseudo Seneca".

Mounted on a shaped and turned figured pale yellow Siena marble socle with some evidence of verdigris staining from probably having been sited with minor exposure to the weather elements at some period . Fixed to the socle with the original bolts , supported at the rear by an integrally-cast open strut .