19th Century Antique Italian Grand Tour Bronze Sculpture "Bust of Julius Caesar"

Details

Description

GRAND TOUR
Italian, 19th century

Unsigned
Patinated and pigmented sand-cast bronze over Violet Breche marble socle

15" high x 5 … Read more GRAND TOUR
Italian, 19th century

Unsigned
Patinated and pigmented sand-cast bronze over Violet Breche marble socle

15" high x 5 1/2" wide x 4" deep (38.1 x 14 x 10.2 cm)
10 1/4" H x 3 3/8" D x 5 1/2" W [bronze]; 4 7/8" H x 4" diameter [base]

A finely cast and beautifully patinated bust of Julius Caesar, it likely originates from Rome circa the third quarter of the 19th century and rests over its original violet breché marble socle. Likely modeled after the Vatican Museum's Roman Chiaramonti bust, it is an idealized portrait of the leader that was carved for his 42 B.C. deification.

The present example features a nuanced surface patina with what appears to be an underlying chemical patination augmented by trace verde pigment under lacquer that has since been waxed over the decades to create a warm and translucent surface throughout. Note the wonderful autumnal highlights that come through in the relief with just a trace of reddish undertones. The surface of the bronze is beautifully cast, chiseled and chased.

Condition: Numerous chips around edges of the marble rim and footer. Light patina wear to handled areas, overall remaining in excellent condition. A very fine presentation.

ref. 212WHZ09P

About S I L L A | fine antiques & works of art
Established in 2009, we have available in our 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery an ever-changing selection of carefully curated and catalogued furniture, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and estate jewelry. Our company has long specialized in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display.

The gallery is located at 117 W Burd Street in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania and is open by appointment only. We welcome your visit and would love to meet with you at the shop. For clients located outside of the area, we are always available to discuss items by video conferencing or by phone. See less