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ID #SA1241511
FOR SALE
£375
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Gilt Bronze Bust of Ajax, C.1880
For sale by Harrington Antiques
for sale €439     $476
£375
Harrington Antiques

Harrington Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2021
Browse dealers 72 items
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    Antiques & decorative interior pieces.
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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 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1241511
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 profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square 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 profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square 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 1880s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1241511
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

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A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base.
1 / 14
Archive I A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base.

Gilt Bronze Bust of Ajax, C.1880

Archive II A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View II
Archive III A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View III
Archive IV A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View IV
Archive V A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View V
Archive VI A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View VI
Archive VII A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View VII
Archive VIII A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View VIII
Archive IX A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View IX
Archive X A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View X
Archive XI A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View XI
Archive XII A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View XII
Archive XIII A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View XIII
Archive XIV A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base. View XIV
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 72
Items Sold 851
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
72
Sold
851
A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base.
Gilt Bronze Bust Of Ajax, c.1880
Ref: SA1241511
A profile view of a gilt bronze classical bust depicting a bearded warrior in a relief helmet set on a square pedestal base.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures & Busts
  • Period19th century
  • StyleNeoclassical
  • MaterialGilt Bronze
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsHelmeted head, Bearded profile, Socle base, Draped tunic
  • SizeH 26 cm (10 in) x W 13 cm (5 in) x D 11 cm (4 in)

This Neoclassical sculpture takes the form of a gilt bronze bust depicting Ajax, produced around 1880 in France. The golden-toned metal figure shows a bearded warrior profile wearing a relief-decorated helmet adorned with an eagle at the front and a scene symbolising education from Chiron the centaur across the top. The figure wears a draped tunic over the shoulder and rests upon a turned socle base set on a square pedestal. Light signs of wear include a very small nick to the helmet front, a small dink to the back of the stand, and a small nick to the neck. The piece measures 26 cm high by 13 cm wide and 11 cm deep. Placement suits a gentleman's library, study or drawing room, where the bust functions as decorative display on a mantelpiece, bookcase top, or side table. The rich bronze medium brings classic warmth to traditional interiors, pairing well with dark wood furniture and leather-bound books. Position the item on a flat surface away from heavy foot traffic to protect the detailed metalwork.

FAQs

Neoclassical bronze sculpture emerged in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, drawing direct inspiration from classical antiquity, Greek mythology, and historic heroic portraiture.

These sculptures were cast using sand casting or the lost-wax process before undergoing hand-chasing to refine detail and surface gilding or chemical patination to finish the metal.

Authentic pieces feature sharp hand-chiselled detailing, natural surface wear, cast moulding lines on interior hollows, and heavy material density consistent with bronze alloys.

A classical sculpture can be displayed on a fireplace mantelpiece, integrated into a dark wood bookshelf, or positioned on a modern side table to provide visual contrast.

Remove dust regularly using a dry microfibre cloth or soft bristle brush, avoiding water, chemical solvents, or abrasive polishes that damage original gilding and patination.
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