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Sculpture · 19th century
Diana of Versailles
After the Antique · Barbedienne Foundry, France, mid-19th century
Artist After the Antique Medium Patinated bronze Foundry Barbedienne foundry stamp, Achille Collas stamp Signature No signatures Date 2nd half of the 19th century Dimensions 8 inches high Condition Excellent condition, even rich brown patina
Though almost definitely excavated in Italy (some say from Hadrian’s villa at Tivoli), the entire recorded history of the sculpture now known as the Diana of Versailles (also known as Diane Chasseresse) is in France. According to some accounts it was a gift to King Henry II from the Pope, but by 1586 it was recorded as being at the royal palace of Fontainebleau. In the 17th century it was moved to Versailles by Louis XIV and placed in the Hall of Mirrors, until its removal to Paris after the Revolution, ending up in the Louvre where it remains to this day.
Its reputation has long been high. Charles II of England had a life-size copy made by Hubert Le Sueur, now in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Come the era of the Grand Tour in the 18th and 19th centuries, numerous copies were made in bronze and marble. As often, the Barbedienne castings are amongst the most perfect in their execution.
The small version offered here is in exquisite condition, with an even rich brown patina, in a wonderful state of preservation. A true gem of a sculpture.
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