Victorian Elkington & Co. 32" Bronze Warrior King Statue Sculpture, C. 1860–1880

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ENTRYWAY COLLECTION - Grand Tour Style

This commanding 31.75-inch bronze electrocast sculpture by the renowned English firm Elkington & Co. … Read more ENTRYWAY COLLECTION - Grand Tour Style

This commanding 31.75-inch bronze electrocast sculpture by the renowned English firm Elkington & Co. depicts Caractacus, King of the Silures, in the Romantic Neoclassical style. Caractacus was a first-century British chieftain who led resistance against the Roman conquest of Britain before his capture in AD 51.

This heroic figure stands nude but for a belt and flowing cloak, with axe and shield resting at his side and one arm dramatically raised. A rich dark brown patina with subtle highlights accentuates the finely modeled musculature, hair, and drapery.

Inscribed on the base "Electro-Cast by Elkington & Co.", this substantial sculpture represents the firm's technical innovation and the Victorian fascination with heroic figures from British history.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE
Elkington patented the process of electroforming in 1840, which allowed them to “grow” a bronze surface layer over molds using electricity. This revolutionary method produced pieces that were so precise in detail they were often mistaken for traditional cast bronzes, and they were celebrated at the Great Exhibition of 1851.

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