Italian Grand Tour Bronze Sculpture of “The Dying Gaul” After the Antique

Description

ITALIAN SCHOOL FOR THE GRAND TOUR
Circa late 19th century

"The Dying Gaul"

Patinated bronze | Unsigned | cast circa … more ITALIAN SCHOOL FOR THE GRAND TOUR
Circa late 19th century

"The Dying Gaul"

Patinated bronze | Unsigned | cast circa late 19th century

Item # 406DQX18P

A late 19th century model of The Dying Gaul after the sculpture of Antiquity, this example was cast for the Grand Tourists as they came through Italy and explored the vast array of Greek and Roman sculpture discovered over the centuries. The original marble sculpture is in the Capitoline Museums of Rome and is first recorded in the Ludovisi family records of 1623 and in 1633 was in the Palazzo Grande in Villa Ludovisi. It was believed that the figure was a Gladiator wounded in the games of the Roman amphitheatre, but during the middle of the 19th century scholars re-evaluated the figure and determined he was a "barbarian" and became known instead as the Dying Galation or Gaul in light of the Gallic carnyx and the type of weapons strewn on the ground before him.

The present cast is an attractive copy that was patinated in such a way that it appears to have only just been removed from the ground of an archeological dig, the surface chaotic with a broad range of chemical patinas that result in blacks, browns, autumnal hues and scattered verdigris over a rough cast surface. Very attractive and decorative, as was intended for the wealthy visitors leaving Rome and bringing a model such as this back to their libraries and studies. Such a model is always inspirational and was easily placed due to its small stature.


Measurements: 12 1/8" W x 6" D x 6 1/8" H

Condition Report:
Rough and chaotic patina simulating antiquity; rubbing and handling wear throughout; trace verdigris and oxidization, particularly in the crevices and corners. Carefully cleaned in our in-house studio, sealed in conservator's wax, a very nice presentation. less