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ID #SA1243715
FOR SALE
£1,200
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19thc Grand Tour French Bronze Figure of 'Spinario' or 'Boy with Thorn in His Foot', After the Antique
For sale by LVS Decorative Arts
for sale €1,404     $1,524
£1,200
LVS Decorative Arts

LVS Decorative Arts

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2011
Browse dealers 236 items
  • Trade Associations
    LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1243715
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19thc Grand Tour French Bronze Figure of 'Spinario' or 'Boy with Thorn in His Foot', After the Antique

19th century
Description

A mid 19th century (circa 1870) French bronze figure of 'Spinario' or 'Boy with thorn in his foot', after the Antique with good patina supported on black fossil marble plinth base, the figure with 'Tireur’ inscribed to the base.

The word ‘Tireur’ is often found inscribed on the base of figures of ‘Spinario’ as it is the French word for puller, one who pulls or in this case thorn puller.

The original sculpture, of large scale, is a Greco-Roman Hellenistic bronze of a boy withdrawing a thorn from his foot and can be seen in The Capitoline Museum, Rome where it has been displayed since the 15th century.

In the early Renaissance period this was one of the first sculptures known to have been copied, there is also a Roman marble sculpture in the Medici Collection in The Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

This bronze is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home - it is a nice example being on the marble base.

Size:

Height: 9.5" / 24cm

Width: 8.5" / 21.5cm

Depth: 5.5" / 14cm

Date of Manufacture

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this French Bronze Spinario Figure to the 1870s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
24cm (9.45")
Width
21.5cm (8.46")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1243715
Dealers Internal Reference
LVS1524
Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description
A mid 19th century (circa 1870) French bronze figure of 'Spinario' or 'Boy with thorn in his foot', after the Antique with good patina supported on black fossil marble plinth base, the figure with 'Tireur’ inscribed to the base.
“
The word ‘Tireur’ is often found inscribed on the base of figures of ‘Spinario’ as it is the French word for puller, one who pulls or in this case thorn puller.
LVS Decorative Arts
fig 1. A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth.
fig 1. 19thc Grand Tour French Bronze Figure of 'Spinario' or 'Boy with Thorn in His Foot', After the Antique

The original sculpture, of large scale, is a Greco-Roman Hellenistic bronze of a boy withdrawing a thorn from his foot and can be seen in The Capitoline Museum, Rome where it has been displayed since the 15th century.

fig 2. A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth.
fig 2. 19thc Grand Tour French Bronze Figure of 'Spinario' or 'Boy with Thorn in His Foot', After the Antique

In the early Renaissance period this was one of the first sculptures known to have been copied, there is also a Roman marble sculpture in the Medici Collection in The Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

This bronze is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home - it is a nice example being on the marble base.

Size:

Height: 9.5" / 24cm

Width: 8.5" / 21.5cm

Depth: 5.5" / 14cm

Date of Manufacture

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this French Bronze Spinario Figure to the 1870s.

Height
24cm (9.45")
Width
21.5cm (8.46")
Depth
14cm (5.51")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1243715
Dealers Internal Ref
LVS1524
LVS Decorative Arts
LVS Decorative Arts
Sellingantiques verified Since May 2011
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the LVS Decorative Arts Profile Page

Trade Associations

LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth.
1 / 12
Archive I A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth.

19thc Grand Tour French Bronze Figure of 'Spinario' or 'Boy with Thorn in His Foot', After the Antique

Archive II A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View II
Archive III A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View III
Archive IV A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View IV
Archive V A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View V
Archive VI A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View VI
Archive VII A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View VII
Archive VIII A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View VIII
Archive IX A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View IX
Archive X A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View X
Archive XI A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View XI
Archive XII A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth. View XII
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LVS Decorative Arts

LVS Decorative Arts
Telephone 07703 306451
Location
Suffolk
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/lvs
Verified Since May 2011
Items For Sale 236
Items Sold 1,089
LVS Decorative Arts
LVS Decorative Arts
Verified Since May 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: Suffolk, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/lvs
Verified
May 2011
For Sale
236
Sold
1,089
A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth.
19thc Grand Tour French bronze figure of 'Spinario' or 'Boy with thorn in his foot', after the Antique
Ref: SA1243715
A dark patinated bronze sculpture depicting a nude youth seated on a rock base examining his left foot, mounted on a rectangular black marble plinth.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period19th century
  • StyleNeoclassical
  • MaterialBronze, Marble
  • ColourDark Brown, Black
  • MotifsSeated youth figure, Rockwork base, Rectangular marble plinth
  • SizeH 24 cm (9 in) x W 21.5 cm (8 in) x D 14 cm (6 in)

This mid nineteenth-century French bronze figure of 'Spinario' or 'Boy with thorn in his foot' is after the Antique. Cast in the classical style, the sculpture depicts a seated youth holding his foot to withdraw a thorn. The dark bronze possesses a rich brown patina and stands upon a rectangular black fossil marble plinth base. The inscription 'Tireur' appears clearly on the base near the rockwork. The figure shows naturalistic hair curls, defined musculature, and an arched back. The sculpture measures 24 cm high, 21.5 cm wide, and 14 cm deep. In a modern interior, this piece sits well upon a desk, mantelpiece, or bookshelf in a study, library, or living room. It integrates effortlessly into traditional or eclectic settings as a decorative accent. The stable construction allows for straightforward placement on any flat surface without additional support. The compact proportions make it suitable for display within smaller spaces while maintaining a strong classical presence.

FAQs

The Spinario, also known as Boy with Thorn, is based on an ancient Greco-Roman bronze sculpture depicting a seated youth removing a thorn from his foot, a subject frequently cast in 19th-century Europe as a Grand Tour souvenir.

Nineteenth-century French foundries typically used solid or lost-wax cast copper alloy bronze with custom chemical patinas, frequently mounted on polished marble, slate, or stone plinths.

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-chased surface details, age-appropriate patination with subtle wear on elevated surfaces, crisp foundry stamps or maker inscriptions, and period-correct mechanical joinery underneath.

Position the bronze sculpture on a dark wood desk, mantelpiece, or open bookshelf alongside leather-bound books and understated architectural decor to anchor a refined study or library aesthetic.

Dust regularly with a dry, soft-bristled brush or microfibre cloth, and apply a light coating of neutral microcrystalline wax annually to guard against humidity and oxidisation.
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