19TH C GRAND TOUR BRONZE SEATED HERMES MERCURY AFTER THE ANTIQUE For Sale

DETAILS & CONDITION

• 19th century

• Grand Tour

• Patinated bronze

• After the celebrated antique Seated Hermes

• Modelled nude and seated upon a rocky outcrop

• Finely detailed winged sandals

• Attractive aged dark patination with areas of surface wear

• Hollow cast

• Age-related wear and oxidation visible internally, commensurate with age

• 20.5cm high

• Please refer to photographs for charming 19th-century Grand Tour bronze reduction of the Seated Hermes, after the celebrated ancient sculpture discovered at Herculaneum and now housed in the National Archaeological Museum, Naples.

  Hermes is depicted resting upon a rocky outcrop, his relaxed pose contrasting with the finely modelled athletic physique, with his distinctive winged sandals identifying the messenger of the gods.

  Small bronze reductions of celebrated antiquities were popular souvenirs among Grand Tour travellers visiting Italy, allowing collectors to assemble miniature versions of the great Classical sculptures encountered in Rome, Naples and elsewhere.

  A particularly appealing Grand Tour bronze of manageable scale, with a pleasing aged surface and strong Classical subject.

  SIZE

  Height: 20.5cm.