Torr Antiques & Decorative Arts

Description

An impressive and fine quality late 19th century Grand Tour bronze of a seated young woman draped in Greek attire on an oval rouge marble plinth. The woman is seated on a low stool, her legs crossed, her right hand resting against a cheek while the left hand holds a scroll. This is a substantial sculpture weighing over 12 kg.

We believe this is a rare model as we have been unable to find another example. Virgil, the Greek poet, is often portrayed in this way - seated on a stool, cross-legged with the left hand holding a scroll, so it is likely that this bronze represents a Greek female poet. The most likely candidate is Sappho of Lesbos, as she was well-known and greatly admired throughout antiquity as one of the greatest of poets and musicians. However, images of Sappho are usually accompanied by a lyre as she is known in particular for her lyric poetry, written to be sung and accompanied by a lyre.

Dimensions: Height including plinth 31 cm
Plinth 37 x 26 cm
Bronze Height 27 X Width 27 x Depth 16 cm

Weight 12.356

Condition: Fine antique condition and beautifully patinated

Postage & packing: £15 within the UK