"Fighting Warrior" Gladiator Sculpture in Bronze by Barbedienne c. 1880-90

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"Fighting Warrior" Gladiator Sculpture in Bronze by Barbedienne c. 1880-90

About the Item

"FIGHTING WARRIOR" SCULPTURE IN BRONZE BY BARBEDIENNE "Le Gladiateur Borghese" after the 100 B.C. Original Impressed in base "F. Barbedienne Fondeur" w/ A. Collas reduction seal; Paris, c. 1880-90 Known somewhat erroneously as the "Borghese Gladiator", this exceptional antique French bronze sculpture features what the Louvre refers to as "The Fighting Warrior". His defiant and proud stance is the very essence of a man in charge of his own destiny, armed for battle with only an intense personal will. Cast by the foundry of Ferdinand Barbedienne, this work is featured in their 1886 catalogue as "Le Gladiateur Borghese / Heros Combattant" and was offered in four editions: 70 cm at 550 francs, 48 cm at 300 francs, 33 cm at 180 francs and 23 cm at 90 francs. True to the original in the Louvre, the trunk of the work is indistinctly signed by Agasias of Ephesus, son of Dositheus. The sculpture was originally found at Anzio, south of Rome, before 1611 among the ruins of Nero's palace. Extensive literature has been produced regarding the work and a wonderful synopsis is available by the Louvre regarding the history of the original work. The present example exhibits the best of Barbedienne's renowned founding skills - tightly chased and precisely cast, every detail is captured and accentuated with a very fine original verdigris patina under wax. From the rippling muscles and anatomical exactness of the form to the hair, wrinkles, eyes, the popping vein running along his thigh and overall spring of his calfs as he rotates his weight onto a front foot, the sculpture captures the best of Italian Classicism. The base bears the foundry mark "F. Barbedienne Fondeur" along with the A. Collas reduction seal typical of Barbedienne works employing the reduction method, it is impressed "27" on the underside. Remaining in simply exceptional condition, this somewhat scarce cast represents the best of the skilled artisans of one of France's most accomplished foundries of the nineteenth century. Of large and commanding proportions, this is an outstanding investment-grade work of fine art for serious collectors of bronze sculpture. Further Reading: Catalogue des Bronzes d'art: F. Barbedienne, Paris, 1886, p. 6 Measurements: 19" high [48 cm] x 13 1/2" long (base) x 7 7/8" deep Condition: Deep abrasion/blemish to pinky on punching hand exposing the bronze and being somewhat sharp; speck abrasion above left eyebrow; overall very fine patina preservation with light non-noteworthy patina wear.

Creator:
F. Barbedienne Foundry (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)Depth: 7.88 in (20.02 cm)
Style:
Romantic (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Patinated
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1880-90
Condition:
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 1401XGP29PS1stDibs: LU105901266986