Contact Seller
Loveday Antiques Ltd
Tel01438 869 819Please quote Antiques Atlas.
Non UK callers :
+44 1438 869 819
19th Century French Bronze Borghese Gladiator
A finely cast large scale bronze of the Borghese Gladiator with exceptional patina
French c.1830-50
Due to the particularly fine casting of our piece, it seems likely that it is a French-made rather than Italian bronze though it is difficult to be entirely certain of its origin. Our piece has an exceptional patina and stands on a veneered marble base. The Borghese Gladiator quickly became one of the "must see" items on a wealthy visitor's Grand Tour with fine life size and smaller reductions of the piece in some of the most important houses in the world. One was the centrepiece of the sculpture collection at Wilton House, a house renowned for the quality of its sculptural holdings, until this was given to Sir Robeert Walpole who installed it at Houghton. Other versions are at Petworth, Knole and Windsor Castle and there are references showing that Thomas Jefferson imagined a copy of the piece as the ideal centrepiece for a sculpture gallery at Monticello.
The piece appears in a number of important paintings, a particularly evocative example being a work by Joseph Wright of Derby showing a group of connoisseurs inspecting a reduction of the figure on a table by candlelight.
Our bronze figure, of large size, depicts a swordsman, missing his sword as is the case with the original sculpture, probably in the process of defending himself against a mounted assailant. The original sculpture was incorrectly restored at one point and made to look like a gladiator with a small shield and sword which have since been removed but the gladiatorial name has stuck despite it being factually inaccurate.
The original bronze is signed by Agasias, son of Dositheus, of whom nothing else is known. It is believed to have been made around 100 BC in Ephesus. The piece once formed part of the collections in the Borghese Villa in Rome until it was sold, under some duress, to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1807. At that point it was removed to Paris and is now in the Louvre.
We are delighted to be able to offer this fine example.
Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London. Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.
As proud members of LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.
Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.
All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.
FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
GOODS
All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.
Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.
VIEWINGS
We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.
Please contact us for location and appointments.
Telephone 01438 869 819
Email info@lovedayantiques.co.uk
Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.
If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment
We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.
SellerLoveday Antiques Ltd
View all stock from
Loveday Antiques Ltd
Private dealer
By appointment only
near Hertford
Hertfordshire
Tel : 01438 869 819
Non UK callers : +44 1438 869 819
French c.1830-50
Due to the particularly fine casting of our piece, it seems likely that it is a French-made rather than Italian bronze though it is difficult to be entirely certain of its origin. Our piece has an exceptional patina and stands on a veneered marble base. The Borghese Gladiator quickly became one of the "must see" items on a wealthy visitor's Grand Tour with fine life size and smaller reductions of the piece in some of the most important houses in the world. One was the centrepiece of the sculpture collection at Wilton House, a house renowned for the quality of its sculptural holdings, until this was given to Sir Robeert Walpole who installed it at Houghton. Other versions are at Petworth, Knole and Windsor Castle and there are references showing that Thomas Jefferson imagined a copy of the piece as the ideal centrepiece for a sculpture gallery at Monticello.
The piece appears in a number of important paintings, a particularly evocative example being a work by Joseph Wright of Derby showing a group of connoisseurs inspecting a reduction of the figure on a table by candlelight.
Our bronze figure, of large size, depicts a swordsman, missing his sword as is the case with the original sculpture, probably in the process of defending himself against a mounted assailant. The original sculpture was incorrectly restored at one point and made to look like a gladiator with a small shield and sword which have since been removed but the gladiatorial name has stuck despite it being factually inaccurate.
The original bronze is signed by Agasias, son of Dositheus, of whom nothing else is known. It is believed to have been made around 100 BC in Ephesus. The piece once formed part of the collections in the Borghese Villa in Rome until it was sold, under some duress, to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1807. At that point it was removed to Paris and is now in the Louvre.
We are delighted to be able to offer this fine example.
Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London. Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.
As proud members of LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.
Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.
All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.
FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
GOODS
All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.
Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.
VIEWINGS
We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.
Please contact us for location and appointments.
Telephone 01438 869 819
Email info@lovedayantiques.co.uk
Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.
If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment
We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 25/NOV/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Date 1830-50
19th Century Antiques Material Bronze
Origin French
Item code as501a1067 / 3041
Status For Sale
£3450.00
$4330.10
€4128.27
$4330.10
€4128.27
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 25/NOV/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)
Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.
View all stock from
Loveday Antiques Ltd
By appointment only
near Hertford
Hertfordshire
Tel : 01438 869 819
Non UK callers : +44 1438 869 819
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