Fine Pair of Bronze Busts of Antinous and Venus

Fine Pair of Bronze Busts of Antinous and VenusAn exquisite pair of 'Grand Tour' bronze busts, one after the Belvedere Antinous (also known as Hermes Antinous), the other one after the Medici Venus; on gilt and patinated bronze plinths France, mid 19th century. Exquisite quality and colour, original condition. Why we like them Coveted by the 19th century intellectuals and aesthetes, such exquisite objects were not mere decorations, but symbols of their owner's classical values and refined taste.

of exaggerated 'Klismos' form

specifying that the manufactory was to be set up near his princely court of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt

found in 1754 in the peristile of the so-called Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum had long been misidentified as Plato

supplied by Banting

superbly graphic profile with boldly scrolled legs and back

mounted in a decorative mat and custom chinoiserie frame

the Marquis and rose to the role of Directeur des Bâtiments du Roi (Director General of the King's Buildings)

Depth: 15 in / 38

in the manner of Gillows

Height: 3 cm / 1

circa 1835

one lock plate is 18th century replacement