Rare Louvre Museum Workshop Reproduction - Greek Ephebe/Marathon Boy Sculpture C. 1902

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Description

Rare Louvre Museum Workshop Reproduction - Greek Ephebe/Marathon Boy Sculpture c. 1902
An Extraordinary Museum-Quality Discovery from Paris
Among our … Read more Rare Louvre Museum Workshop Reproduction - Greek Ephebe/Marathon Boy Sculpture c. 1902
An Extraordinary Museum-Quality Discovery from Paris
Among our most thrilling finds during our recent week in Paris, this exceptional piece represents museum collecting at its finest. Created circa 1902 by the prestigious Ateliers de Moulage (Department of Moulding and Casting) at the Louvre Museum, this is an official museum workshop reproduction of the famous Greek Ephebe, also known as the Marathon Boy - a masterpiece of ancient sculpture housed in the Louvre's collection.
Museum Provenance & Authenticity
Official Louvre Museum Workshop Creation
Clearly marked on the reverse in French:

MUSÉE DU LOUVRE
REPRODUCTION INTERDITE (Reproduction Forbidden)
ATELIERS DE MOULAGE

This marking confirms its creation by the Louvre's own professional casting department, established to create authorized reproductions for educational and scholarly purposes. These workshop pieces were never commercially available and represent the museum's commitment to sharing classical art with institutions and serious collectors.
The Original Masterpiece
The original marble sculpture, known as both the Greek Ephebe and Marathon Boy, is a celebrated example of ancient Greek or Roman artistry housed in the Louvre's prestigious collection. This piece captures the idealized beauty and athletic grace that defined classical sculpture, representing the pinnacle of ancient artistic achievement.
Early 20th Century Museum Workshop Excellence
Created in 1902 during the golden age of museum reproductions, when institutions like the Louvre were pioneering techniques for creating faithful copies of their greatest treasures. These official reproductions served educational purposes and allowed the public to experience classical art in new ways.
Specifications

Dimensions: 8" x 6" x 5"
Weight: 2 lbs 14.5 oz (1.318 kg)
Period: Circa 1902
Origin: Louvre Museum Ateliers de Moulage, Paris
Material: Museum-quality plaster casting
Condition: Good with period-appropriate age and character

Collector's Significance
This piece represents multiple collecting categories:

Museum Workshop Reproductions: Highly sought after by serious collectors
Classical Sculpture: Timeless appeal of Greek and Roman art
Early 20th Century: Historical significance from the museum's early casting period
Louvre Provenance: The world's most prestigious museum association

Condition & Character
Shows beautiful age and wear that we absolutely "LOuVrE" (as any true collector would!) - this patina and character are precisely what authenticate its early 20th-century museum workshop origins. The gentle aging adds to rather than detracts from its scholarly and aesthetic appeal.
Display & Scholarly Value
Perfect for:

Classical art enthusiasts and collectors
Those who appreciate museum-quality reproductions
Students and scholars of ancient art
Sophisticated interiors requiring classical elements
Libraries, studies, or artistic spaces

The Rarity Factor
Museum workshop reproductions from this early period are exceptionally rare, as they were created in limited numbers for specific educational purposes. The "REPRODUCTION INTERDITE" marking underscores how carefully the Louvre controlled these pieces, making surviving examples highly prized by collectors.
A museum-quality treasure that brings the grandeur of the Louvre and the beauty of classical antiquity into your collection.

This extraordinary find represents the pinnacle of our Paris discoveries - a piece that connects directly to the world's greatest museum and the timeless tradition of classical art appreciation. The official Louvre markings and early 20th-century provenance make this a truly exceptional collector's piece. See less