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ID #SA1052059
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Pair of Gilt Bronze Statuettes of Mars and Minerva
Sold by Cella
sold SA1052059
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Cella

Cella

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2019
Browse dealers 75 items
  • About Us
    Specialists in the grand tour and french decorative objects, clocks and furniture, circa 1780-1880.
Id #SA1052059
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Pair of Gilt Bronze Statuettes of Mars and Minerva

19th century
Sold by Cella
Sold 18 February 2025 · Cella
This “Pair of Gilt Bronze Statuettes of Mars and Minerva” found a buyer.

It was listed by Cella. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

Rare decorative pair of late 19th century neoclassical French Napoleon III period gilt bronze ormolu sculptures representing the mythological gods Mars, god of war, and Minerva, the warrior goddess. Presented on elaborate classically inspired open fretwork socle bases with lion paw feet. Well cast and chased. Original small casting fracture to neck of Minerva. France, circa 1890.

Physical Dimensions
Height
32cm (12.60")
Width
14cm (5.51")
Depth
13.5cm (5.31")
Declaration

Cella has dated these Gilt Bronze Statuettes to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1052059
Dealers Internal Reference
CA904
Dealers Notes

Based in London, we are dealers in fine decorative antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. We specialise in this era of enlightenment, neoclassicism and the Grand Tour, with its far reaching influence on style and taste in Britain, Continental Europe and beyond: elegance in the age of Napoleon. Our extensive stock covers all aspects of this period and decorative antiques influenced by the period. We constantly source new, beautiful items and upload to our site regularly. We are first and foremost antique collectors with over thirty years of experience; we only buy what we love and we hope you will too. Additional images can be supplied on request. More items are available on our website http://www.cellantiques.co.uk. We ship worldwide.

Description
Rare decorative pair of late 19th century neoclassical French Napoleon III period gilt bronze ormolu sculptures representing the mythological gods Mars, god of war, and Minerva, the warrior goddess. Presented on elaborate classically inspired open fretwork socle bases with lion paw feet. Well cast and chased. Original small casting fracture to neck of Minerva. France, circa 1890.
Height
32cm (12.60")
Width
14cm (5.51")
Depth
13.5cm (5.31")
Date of Manufacture

Cella has dated these Gilt Bronze Statuettes to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1052059
Dealers Internal Ref
CA904
Cella
Cella
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2019

Specialists in the grand tour and french decorative objects, clocks and furniture, circa 1780-1880.

Dealer Profile

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

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A pair of standing gilt bronze statuettes depicting Mars and Minerva mounted on ornate square bases. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 5
Archive I A pair of standing gilt bronze statuettes depicting Mars and Minerva mounted on ornate square bases. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Pair of Gilt Bronze Statuettes of Mars and Minerva

Archive II A pair of standing gilt bronze statuettes depicting Mars and Minerva mounted on ornate square bases. View II
Archive III A pair of standing gilt bronze statuettes depicting Mars and Minerva mounted on ornate square bases. View III
Archive IV A pair of standing gilt bronze statuettes depicting Mars and Minerva mounted on ornate square bases. View IV
Archive V A pair of standing gilt bronze statuettes depicting Mars and Minerva mounted on ornate square bases. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 020 8299 4945
Location
London
United Kingdom
Verified Since May 2019
Items For Sale 75
Items Sold 305
Cella
Cella
Verified Since May 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom
Verified
May 2019
For Sale
75
Sold
305
A pair of standing gilt bronze statuettes depicting Mars and Minerva mounted on ornate square bases.
Pair of Gilt bronze statuettes of Mars and Minerva
Ref: SA1052059
A pair of standing gilt bronze statuettes depicting Mars and Minerva mounted on ornate square bases.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Statues
  • Period19th century
  • StyleNeoclassical
  • MaterialBronze, Gilt
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsMythological figures, Draped garments, Ornate scrollwork bases, Clawed feet
  • SizeH 32 cm (13 in) x W 14 cm (6 in) x D 13.5 cm (5 in)

Gilt bronze, often referred to as ormolu, gained prominence during the neoclassical and empire periods in Europe, where mythological subjects like Mars and Minerva were frequently utilised to symbolise strength, wisdom, and strategic power in interior ornamentation.

These pieces are typically cast in bronze using the lost-wax method and subsequently finished with mercury gilding or electroplating to achieve a brilliant, reflective gold surface layer over the base metal.

Authentic period pieces generally exhibit meticulous hand-chased detailing, consistent patination beneath the gilding, and appropriate casting seams or fastening methods characteristic of historical metalwork techniques.

These sculptures serve as striking focal points when placed upon a mantelpiece, console table, or bookcase, contrasting effectively against minimalist backgrounds or paired with rich, textured materials.

Maintenance requires gentle dusting with a soft, dry microfibre cloth, avoiding chemical cleaning agents, abrasive polishes, or excessive handling that might compromise the delicate surface gilding.
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