Antique Large Borghese Warrior Bronze Sculpture

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This is an exceptionally large and finely cast and patinated bronze from the early 20th century depicting the Borghese Warrior. 19 x 20 x 19 in; 48 x 51 x 48 cm.  Signed Moreau and mounted on granite pedestal.  There is some rubbing. The figure is slightly loose from the marble base which shows some minor chips. There is a crack to the outstretched arm at the shoulder, and light scratches, consistent with age. 

The Borghese Gladiator as it's known actually depicts a fighting warrior and was sculpted from marble by Agasias of Ephesus, circa 100 BC. The figure was likely inspired by Homer's Iliad, as described in Book XXIII, the Funeral Games for Patroclus. Discovered near Rome in excavations carried out by Cardinal Scipion Borghese, it  was added to his collection in 1611.  The sculptor, Nicolas Cordier, restored the work by adding the right arm.  After Napoleon I purchased the collection from Prince Camille Borghese, the work was installed in the Louvre where it remains today. 

 

Item Details

Reference #:
ha-1930
Quantity
1
Category
Fine Art
SubCategory
Department
Antiques (approx100yrs)
Year
c1900
Dimensions
(Width x Height X Depth)
x x
Weight
Unknown
Condition
Very Good
Material
bronze