Bacchanalian Bronze Faun After Soldani
A striking antique bronze sculpture, this Bacchanalian Faun captures the exuberance and dynamism associated with the Grand Tour period. Modelled after the famed Massimiliano Soldani Benzi, it embodies the lively spirit of early nineteenth-century Italian artistry in a form both timeless and enchanting.
Origin: Italy
Date: Circa 1800
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: Height: 72 cm (28.25 ins); Width: 43 cm (17 ins); Depth: 30 cm (12 ins)
Condition: Excellent patina, displaying minor, sympathetically executed restorations.
This sculptural work draws direct inspiration from the famed output of Soldani Benzi, a master known for translating mythological subjects into refined bronze. Such pieces were highly sought after by aristocratic travellers embarking on the Grand Tour, eager to acquire works echoing those held in prominent collections and renowned museums across Europe. The faun’s spirited pose and superb bronze casting place it squarely within this tradition, reflecting both the artistic currents and cultural aspirations of the period.
Notable Features:
- Exceptionally detailed lost-wax casting, highlighting the Faun’s expressive features and sinewy musculature.
- Classical composition referencing Bacchanalian revelry, echoing similar pieces displayed at the Uffizi and the Louvre.
- Genuine rarity as few high-quality reproductions after Soldani survive from this early nineteenth-century Italian context.
- Excellent size and presence for display on a pedestal, making it ideal for both private collections and refined interiors.
The Bacchanalian Bronze Faun exemplifies the exuberant creativity of Grand Tour antiques while offering strong decorative appeal. Its intricate workmanship—visible in the tactile energy of the Faun’s stance and the crisp finesse of each detail—speaks to the technical mastery of Italian foundries of the era. For those devoted to collecting antique bronze, this sculpture presents a desirable form and scale, ripe for either focal display or as the anchor of a distinguished sculpture group. Its provenance and style mark it as a superb acquisition for connoisseurs of fine nineteenth-century bronzes and Grand Tour memorabilia alike.
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