Lot 87B
Europe, Italy, Florence, ca. 16th to 17th century CE. A solid cast bronze figurine depicting a nude athlete holding a wreath, with which he is perhaps about to crown himself, created in the Florentine style. Florence is known for its rich sculptural tradition; most notable are the Renaissance sculptors Andrea del Verrocchio, Antoio del Pollaiuolo, Donatello whose bronze David (ca. 1440-1460 CE) caused quite a sensation as the first male nude sculpture created since antiquity, and of course, the legendary Michaelangelo whose monumental marble David is indisputably one of the greatest masterpieces ever created. The artist of this piece clearly admired the Renaissance's embrace of anatomy and contrapposto; however, he also embraced a love of figural movement that blossomed during the Baroque period. This figurine with its dynamic form begs the eye to move around the form - to admire it from every angle. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, bronze sculptures were quite costly and few patrons could afford them. Just to give you an idea, bronze cost approximately ten times as much as marble, and marble was not inexpensive! However, bronze works were associated with antiquity and the wealthy, and elites of Renaissance and Baroque societies strove to attain the glory of the ancients. A work such as this does just that, but also moves beyond the Renaissance ideal by bringing a Late Renaissance/Baroque dynamism to the figure, creating a sense that we have just caught this figure in the midst of its action. A marvelous example with stunning brown patina on circular brass pedestal and square marble base. Size: figure itself measures 6.125" H (15.6 cm); 7" H on mount
Provenance: Ex - Washington State collection acquired in New York in the 1960's
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#115354
- Condition: Intact and choice. Gorgeous patina.
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| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |