19th Century Italian Two-Tone Spelter Bust of Napoleon Signed Colombo Dated 1885

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Decorate a man's study or office with this elegant antique bust of Napoleon. Crafted in Italy and standing on a … Read more Decorate a man's study or office with this elegant antique bust of Napoleon. Crafted in Italy and standing on a circular grey marble base, the sculpture depicts the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte bearing a stern and determined expression, wearing his familiar military garb and distinguishing Bicorne hat. The artwork is signed by the artist Colombo and dated 1885, and is dressed with an engraved titled plaque on the front reading, "Napoleon bust by Colombo". The bust is in excellent condition and adorns a rich two-tone bronze patinated finish.
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), also known as Napoleon I, was a French military leader and emperor who conquered much of Europe in the early 19th century. Born on the island of Corsica, Napoleon rapidly rose through the ranks of the military during the French Revolution (1789-1799). After seizing political power in France in a 1799 coup d’état, he crowned himself emperor in 1804. Shrewd, ambitious and a skilled military strategist, Napoleon successfully waged war against various coalitions of European nations and expanded his empire. However, after a disastrous French invasion of Russia in 1812, Napoleon abdicated the throne two years later and was exiled to the island of Elba. In 1815, he briefly returned to power in his Hundred Days campaign. After a crushing defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, he abdicated once again and was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena, where he died at the age of 51.
Renzo Colombo (Italian 1856-1885) was born near Milan, he studied at the Brera Academy of Fine Art. After a period working in Rome, he returned to his home town of Gallarate where he executed busts, medals and monuments, his favorite themes were historical figures. In 1875 he exhibited in Milan a bust of Francesco Ferrucci. In 1877 he moved to Florence where he was a pupil of Giovanni Dupre, and realizes the sketch of a religious theme group, Il Ritorno da Golgotha, for the tomb of the family to the cemetery Martegani Gallarate, producing his Tasso Morente in 1878, partially inspired by the Napoleon by Vicenza Vela. Having worked in Genoa and Marsiglia, he was appointed artistic director of the Musee Grevin in Paris in 1884 and began exhibiting at the Salon. His bust of Napoleon was presented there in 1885. He died the following year at Fougeres. He is buried in the Cemetery of Batignolles, Paris.
Measures: 14.5"W x 11"D x 24.5"H See less