M Lees and Sons has dated this piece to the 1870s.

The ancient statue was discovered in 1792 by Gavin Hamilton, the antiquarian and dealer , on the property of the Prince Borghese at Gabii near Rome , Italy . In 1807 the sculpture was sold to Napoleon and has been on display in the Louvre, Paris since 1820 . The subject depicts Artemis or Diana, virgin Goddess of hunting and wild nature , wearing a short chiton draped across her body , supported by a tree stump .

Interestingly this statue has been produced to resemble an expensive bronze casting , though it is a fine patinated copper casting lain over a composition core . This ‘electrotyping’ technique was developed and produced by the English firm of Elkington & Co., and although unmarked , is undoubtedly by the esteemed company.

The statue became immensely popular in the CI9th , a plaster copy was placed in The ‘Athenaeum Club‘ in London , whilst bronze and marble copies can be found in important museums and private collections throughout the world.

Excellent condition and rich patination, the colour and metal almost visually impossible to distinguish from being a bronze version statue at many times the price quoted here .
H 28.5"
W 8"
D 8"
England c.1875
M Lees and Sons has dated this piece to the 1870s.
M.lees & sons , 'tower house' , severn st., worcester wr12nb tel . 07860826218
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