To modify your purchase order,
contact the auction house.
327 - AFTER THE ANTIQUE, A RARE LIFESIZE LEAD FIGURE OF THE BORGHESE GLADIATORENGLISH, 19TH CENTURYLead on octagonal stone base156cm high, base 100 by 60cmProvenance:Formerly in the collection of Sir David Kirch (1936-2026), The Octagon, Le Mont De Gouray, St. Martin, Jersey.This rare life size lead figure is modelled after the marble statue found at Nettuno near Anzio in 1611. The original statue, dating from around 100 B.C, is inscribed on a supporting tree trunk behind the right leg; 'ΑΓΑΣΙΑΣ ΔΩΣΙ ΘΕΟΥ ΕΦΕΣΙΟΣ ΕΠΟΙΕΙ [Agasias son of the Dositheus, Ephesus]. It entered the Borghese collection by 1613 and its impact and fame were almost immediate. In around 1618-1625 Gian Lorenzo Bernini had begun work on a series of work at the bequest of his patron Cardinal Scipione Borghese. In 1623, when he was just 24 years old, he halted work on his model of a large group composition of Apollo and Daphne to start production on his figure of David. In this work he portrayed David getting ready for battle rather than the moment of triumph that follows after Goliath's defeat. In the hero's pose, left arm braced upwards and his right foot planted firmly taking the body's weight, Bernini was perhaps drawing inspiration from directly Borghese's elegant, dynamic gladiator. Napoleon Bonaparte purchased the marble figure together with a substantial part of the Borghese collection in 1807, and from Napoleon's collection it entered the Louvre where it remains today (inv. no. MR 224).
Starting price
£15,000 (€17,915)The reserve price is the minimum price accepted by the seller. Bidders cannot see this price. To win an item, you must place the highest bid and meet or exceed the reserve price.
Registrations are closed for this sale. You cannot place a bid.
The converted amounts are provided for informational purposes only. Only the currency determined for the sale by the auction house is binding. You can select a different currency by going to the "Preferences" page in your profile.
Fees including the auction house's fees and the platform's fees. For further details, please refer to the auction house's General Terms and Conditions of Sale.
Estimation
£15,000 - 25,000 (€17,000 - 30,000)Sale fees
AFTER THE ANTIQUE, A RARE LIFESIZE LEAD FIGURE OF THE BORGHESE GLADIATORENGLISH, 19TH CENTURYLead on octagonal stone base156cm high, base 100 by 60cmProvenance:Formerly in the collection of Sir David Kirch (1936-2026), The Octagon, Le Mont De Gouray, St. Martin, Jersey.This rare life size lead figure is modelled after the marble statue found at Nettuno near Anzio in 1611. The original statue, dating from around 100 B.C, is inscribed on a supporting tree trunk behind the right leg; 'ΑΓΑΣΙΑΣ ΔΩΣΙ ΘΕΟΥ ΕΦΕΣΙΟΣ ΕΠΟΙΕΙ [Agasias son of the Dositheus, Ephesus]. It entered the Borghese collection by 1613 and its impact and fame were almost immediate. In around 1618-1625 Gian Lorenzo Bernini had begun work on a series of work at the bequest of his patron Cardinal Scipione Borghese. In 1623, when he was just 24 years old, he halted work on his model of a large group composition of Apollo and Daphne to start production on his figure of David. In this work he portrayed David getting ready for battle rather than the moment of triumph that follows after Goliath's defeat. In the hero's pose, left arm braced upwards and his right foot planted firmly taking the body's weight, Bernini was perhaps drawing inspiration from directly Borghese's elegant, dynamic gladiator. Napoleon Bonaparte purchased the marble figure together with a substantial part of the Borghese collection in 1807, and from Napoleon's collection it entered the Louvre where it remains today (inv. no. MR 224).
Auction details
Vagabond: Chapter OneAuction house
Dreweatts +44 1 63 55 53 553 live@dreweatts.comDelivery is optional. You can use the carrier of your choice. The stated price does not include the lot price or the auction house fees.