Athenaeum Fine Art & Antiques
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Sculpture · 19th century
Neptune
After Giambologna · Italian, 19th century
ArtistAfter Giambologna (Jean de Boulogne, 1529–1608)MediumPatinated and parcel gilt bronzeFoundryNo foundry marksSignatureNo signaturesDate19th centuryDimensions12¾ inches highConditionOverall very good condition, minor scuffs and rubbing to extremities, rich renaissance brown patina.
The present sculpture is modelled after the central figure of the Neptune Fountain in Bologna, executed by the great late Renaissance / Mannerist sculptor Giambologna in 1565–66. The sculpture, commissioned by Pope Pius IV, was one of Giambologna’s first major commissions, and helped establish him as the preeminent sculptor in Italy in the final decades of the 16th century and a worthy successor to Michelangelo.
The present casting is particularly fine, with rich detailing in the face and beard, and original gilding to the trident.
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