Object Description
This is a wonderful antique French Grand Tour classical bronze model of the Borghese Gladiator, circa 1880 in date.
The well patinated bronze on a rectangular bronze base inscribed “Louvres Paris” and engraved with a presentation inscription dated 1935. Mounted on a fine mottled brown marble socle.
A reduction of the “Borghese Gladiator” depicted lunging with shield and sword, after the life-sized Hellenistic marble sculpture created at Ephesus about 100 BC.
This stunning high-quality bronze is superbly cast and has an elegant golden patina. It is made from the lost-wax process, otherwise known as ‘cire perdue’ method.
The attention to detail and quality throughout this piece is second to none.
Condition:
In excellent condition.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 36 x Width 24 x Depth 15 & Weight 0.19 kg
Dimensions in inches:
Height 1 foot, 2 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 6 inches & Weight 6.2 troy oz
Lost Wax Method
sometimes called by the French name of cire perdue or the Latin, cera perduta is the process by which a bronze or brass is cast from an artists sculpture.
In industrial uses, the modern process is called investment casting. An ancient practice, the process today varies from foundry to foundry, but the steps which are usually used in casting small bronze sculptures in a modern bronze foundry are generally quite standardised.
Our reference: A3557