Pair of Grand Tour Bronze Putti with Goose and Dolphin on M, 1880, Bronze

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An exceptional and highly decorative pair of Italian Grand Tour bronze sculptures dating from the late 19th century, depicting two … Read more An exceptional and highly decorative pair of Italian Grand Tour bronze sculptures dating from the late 19th century, depicting two charming classical figures: Cupid with a Goose and Amorino with a Dolphin. Finely cast in bronze with a rich dark patina, both sculptures are mounted on substantial marble bases, creating a harmonious ensemble inspired by the artistic traditions of Classical Antiquity and the Italian Renaissance. The first sculpture depicts a young Cupid or putto embracing a goose, a playful composition that combines the innocence of childhood with the expressive naturalism characteristic of classical decorative sculpture. The companion figure represents an Amorino carrying a dolphin over his shoulder, a subject deeply rooted in Greco-Roman mythology and Renaissance sculpture. This composition recalls the celebrated tradition of Putto with Dolphin, particularly associated with the Florentine Renaissance sculptor Andrea del Verrocchio (1435–1488). Both sculptures reflect the sophisticated artistic vocabulary of the Italian Grand Tour tradition, during which important Italian bronze foundries produced high-quality interpretations of classical and Renaissance masterpieces for aristocratic travelers, collectors and distinguished European interiors. The figures display carefully modeled anatomy, expressive gestures and beautifully articulated details. Their attractive dark bronze patina emphasizes the sculptural modeling, while the contrasting marble bases provide an elegant architectural foundation. The Grand Tour bronze tradition flourished particularly in artistic centers such as Naples, Rome and Florence, where specialized foundries developed an international reputation for decorative bronzes inspired by ancient and Renaissance models. with their substantial height of 60 cm (23.6 inches), these sculptures possess an impressive decorative presence, making them ideal for display on a mantelpiece, console, library cabinet or architectural pedestals. A refined and highly collectible pair of late 19th-century Italian Grand Tour bronzes, combining classical mythology, charming childhood imagery and the timeless elegance of Italian sculptural craftsmanship. Sold as a pair. Origin Italy Period Late 19th Century, circa 1880–1900 Style Grand Tour / Neoclassical Revival Subjects Cupid or Putto with a Goose Amorino or Putto with a Dolphin Materials Cast Bronze with Dark Patina and Marble Bases Dimensions (Each) Height: 23.6 in. (60 cm) Width: 13.8 in. (35 cm) Depth: 11.8 in. (30 cm) Condition Good antique condition consistent with age. The bronze surfaces retain an attractive dark patina with natural variations in tone and minor signs of wear. The marble bases may display minor age-related imperfections. Please refer carefully to the photographs for a detailed assessment of condition. Keywords: Italian Grand Tour, Bronze Putti, Cupid with Goose, Amorino with Dolphin, 19th Century Italian Bronze, Classical Sculpture, Neoclassical Revival, Renaissance Revival, Verrocchio Style, Dark Patinated Bronze, Marble Bases, Mythological Sculpture, See less