Cotswold House Antiques

Description

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A Very Fine Quality Antique Bronze of Diana the Huntress or 'Diana of Versailles'

19th century, circa 1840.

In this stunning and imposing bronze, standing some 40 cms tall, an athletic Diana is depicted as the huntress. In her left hand she restrains a spirited buck by the antlers who attempts to leap forwards, whilst her right hand reaches to pull a fresh arrow from the quiver on her back. She is clothed in a Dorian chiton tunic, strapped sandals and her wavy hair is tied up and adorned with a tainia.

This is an impressive antique bronze, the outright quality of which is immediately apparent on the first glance. There is a fantastic sense of energy and dynamism, with some wonderfully rendered details.

The design of this fine bronze is after the antique and taken from the marble original which is housed in the Louvre, Paris. That marble is believed to be a Roman copy of an original bronze from Greece by Leochares (c. 325 BC).

The bronze offered here is a reduction cast by the highly regarded French foundry F. Barbedienne, the base bearing their signature and also the Collas reduction stamp, as shown. The Barbedienne foundry was set up in 1838 by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Achille Collas, Collas invented a machine to create smaller bronze figures from statues of particularly Greek & Roman origin. This foundry produced many fine pieces over the years and worked closely with many artists, two of the most famous being Barye and Rodin.

The price is fully inclusive of packing and shipping however international buyers should note that they will be responsible for any import taxes or duties which may be levied. Thank you.

Dimensions -

Approximately 40 cms tall.

Condition -

Good, although not immaculate: there is a small blemish to Diana's right elbow (please request to see an image of this, as well as other shots of the bronze, prior to purchase). The overall patina is good, with a little surface wear and variation in places. The underside base is sound and uncleaned, showing some age-related discolouration and a little verdigris, as shown.

Overall the piece displays very well indeed and makes for a beautiful and impressive bronze.


Email or call for any further information on this item. We give great attention to each and every item we select and offer for sale, priding ourselves on the accuracy of our descriptions and research. We are very happy to provide complete and exacting condition reports (together with further photographs, where necessary) and encourage buyers to request this information prior to purchase.

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Viewing of any item in person, prior to purchase, is always welcomed by appointment.