Grand Tour Equestrian Bronze

Grand Tour Equestrian Bronze

This remarkable Grand Tour Equestrian Bronze exemplifies the artistry and fascination with classical themes characteristic of the Grand Tour tradition in the early nineteenth century. Sculpted in Italy around 1830, it showcases a compelling scene that would have captivated cultured travellers seeking mementos of their European journeys.

Origin: Italy
Date: Circa 1830
Material: Bronze, with marble base

Dimensions: Height: 29.5 cm (11.6 in), Width: 26 cm (10.2 in), Depth: 11 cm (4.3 in)

Condition: Presents a superb patina with minor signs of age-appropriate wear, enhancing its antique allure.

Crafted during the height of the Grand Tour’s popularity, this bronze sculpture echoes the dynamic forms celebrated in Italian academic art of the period. Comparable examples adorn the galleries of revered museums, underlining the enduring appeal of equestrian bronzes and their role as status symbols amongst discerning collectors. This piece also reflects the neoclassical influence prevalent at the time, linking it stylistically to bronze masters such as Antoine-Louis Barye and their celebrated animalier works.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite craftsmanship is evident in the finely detailed musculature of the rearing horse and the coiled menace of the serpent.
• The marble base provides an elegant foundation, framing the dramatic composition and lending gravitas to the sculpture.
• The design captures the tension between good and evil, with the horse’s vigorous movement and alert posture powerfully contrasting the coiled snake, a motif frequently used to symbolise hardship and adversity in classical art.
• As an antique bronze in excellent condition, its rarity and dramatic subject make it a prized acquisition for collectors of Grand Tour bronzes, as well as for those passionate about nineteenth-century sculpture.

This sculpture’s arresting subject and refined execution make it particularly suitable for display in a study, library, or prominent living space. Whether as the centrepiece of a collection of antique bronzes, or as an evocative stand-alone artwork, the Grand Tour Equestrian Bronze enriches any interior with a sense of historical drama and continental sophistication.