Exceptional Mid/Late 1800s French Bronze Bust of Ajax or Menelaus Trojan Hero

Description

Exceptional Mid/Late 1800s French Bronze Bust of Ajax or Menelaus Trojan Hero
Presented is a wonderful quality antique bronze bust of Ajax or Menelaus. This
piece dates to the second half of the 1800s and is likely of French make. This
bust is after the famous “Pasquino Group,” a group of partial Roman marble
statues that are themselves emulating an earlier Hellenic bronze. This bearded
and helmeted soldier has been variously attributed as either Ajax or Menelaus,
depicted in the full size marble carrying the body of Achilles or Patroclus, and
has been reproduced in bust form by renowned sculptors like Bernini and
Benedetto Boschetti as well as many others. This particular iteration of the
subject is exceptionally well cast and detailed, with a great degree of
attention to the expressiveness of the face and the texture of the hair. The
centaurs and beasts and nude figures on his helmet are likewise very detailed
and distinct. The bronze is unsigned, which is not unusual for works after
famous antiquities subjects like the Pasquino Group. Though this is an
oft-copied subject that can be found in a variety of sizes and price points, this
particular bust is certainly better quality than most out there, in terms of both
size and the detail of the casting.
The bronze is in great overall condition. The patina has some spots and
differences in tone, but is good overall. The bronze has no breaks or repairs,
and is mounted very securely to the base.
The bronze stands about 16 inches tall and measures about 7 ½ by 6 inches.
The base is about 4 ½ inches square.
The bronze weighs 16.25 pounds or 7.4 kilograms.
-jm
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