Late 19c Artisan Baroque Spelter Don Juan Statue

Details

Description

An impressive late 19th-century Don Juan statue, dating to approximately 1880–1900 and artisan made in a richly detailed Baroque / … Read more An impressive late 19th-century Don Juan statue, dating to approximately 1880–1900 and artisan made in a richly detailed Baroque / Historicist Revival style.

This substantial decorative figure depicts Don Juan as an elegantly dressed cavalier, complete with a feathered hat, flowing cape, richly ornamented costume, stockings, decorative shoes and a long sword. Fine detailing can be seen throughout the clothing, facial features, hair and accessories, giving the sculpture a strong architectural and theatrical presence.

The statue is made from cast spelter / zamak and finished in a warm bronze-tone patina that highlights the sculptural detailing. Please note that this piece is spelter/zamak with a bronze-colored finish.

The sword bears the inscription “DIEU & LE ROY,” meaning “God and the King,” while the decorative circular base features a plaque inscribed “DON JUAN.”

Who Was Don Juan?

Don Juan is the legendary fictional Spanish nobleman and seducer who became one of the best-known characters in European literature, theatre and opera.

The character originated in the early 17th century and is traditionally associated with the Spanish play El burlador de Sevilla (The Trickster of Seville), attributed to Tirso de Molina. Over the centuries, the Don Juan story was reinterpreted by major writers and composers including Molière, Mozart and Lord Byron. Mozart’s Don Giovanni remains one of the most famous versions of the legend.

This late 19th-century sculpture presents Don Juan in the romanticized image of an aristocratic swordsman and cavalier.

Details
Date / Period: Late 19th Century, circa 1880–1900
Maker / Brand: Artisan made, maker unknown
Subject: Don Juan
Style: Baroque / Historicist Revival
Color / Finish: Bronze tone with aged patina
Material: Spelter / Zamak
Category: Decorative Figural Sculpture / Statue
Number of Pieces: 1
Base Inscription: “DON JUAN”
Sword Inscription: “DIEU & LE ROY”

Condition: Good antique condition with patina, surface wear and signs of age consistent with a late 19th-century decorative sculpture.

Approximate Dimensions
Height: 93 cm / 36.6 in.
Width: 40 cm / 15.7 in.
Base Diameter: 25 cm / 9.8 in.


Important Size Note

Some of the photographs are close-up and zoomed-in images intended to show the detailing of the statue and may make the piece appear larger than it actually is.

Please check the dimensions provided in this listing and the full-view photographs for an accurate impression of the statue’s actual size and proportions.

Shipping

Worldwide shipping is available from the Netherlands.

The statue will be professionally and securely packed in a custom-made wooden box for safe international transportation. Tracking and insurance are included with the shipment. See less