Antique Italian Grand Tour Bronze figure of Roman Soldier 19th C

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Ref: 09685

Price: £575.00

A superbly cast antique Italian Grand Tour ormolu figure of a Roman soldier, circa 1850 in date. The soldier is armed with...

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A superbly cast antique Italian Grand Tour ormolu figure of a Roman soldier, circa 1850 in date.

The soldier is armed with a raised sword, dressed in traditional costume with a fine portrait shield at his side and stands on a rectangular belge noir marble base.

This high-quality hot cast solid bronze was produced using the traditional "lost wax" process, otherwise known as the "cire perdue" method.

The craftsmanship is second to none throughout all aspects of this sculpture and it is sure to add an unparalleled touch of elegance to your home.

Condition:

In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 23 x Width 9 x Depth 6.5

Dimensions in inches:

Height 9 inches x Width 3 inches x Depth 3 inches

Our reference: 09685

Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.

The Grand Tour was the traditional trip of Europe undertaken by mainly upper-class European young men of means. The custom flourished from about 1660 until the advent of large-scale rail transit in the 1840s, and was associated with a standard itinerary.

It served as an educational rite of passage. Though primarily associated with the British nobility and wealthy landed gentry, similar trips were made by wealthy young men of Protestant Northern European nations on the Continent, and from the second half of the 18th century some South American, U.S., and other overseas youth joined in. The tradition was extended to include more of the middle class after rail and steamship travel made the journey less of a burden.

The primary value of the Grand Tour, it was believed, lay in the exposure both to the cultural legacy of classical antiquity and the Renaissance, and to the aristocratic and fashionably polite society of the European continent. In addition, it provided the only opportunity to view specific works of art, and possibly the only chance to hear certain music. A grand tour could last from several months to several years. It was commonly undertaken in the company of a knowledgeable guide or tutor.

The Grand Tour not only provided a liberal education but allowed those who could afford it the opportunity to buy things otherwise unavailable at home, and it thus increased participants' prestige and standing. Grand Tourists would return with crates of art, books, pictures, sculpture, and items of culture, which would be displayed in libraries, cabinets, gardens, and drawing rooms, as well as the galleries built purposely for their display; The Grand Tour became a symbol of wealth and freedom.

Ormolu - (from French 'or moulu', signifying ground or pounded gold) is an 18th-century English term for applying finely ground, high-carat gold in a mercury amalgam to an object of bronze.The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold-coloured veneer known as 'gilt bronze'.

The manufacture of true ormolu employs a process known as mercury-gilding or fire-gilding, in which a solution of nitrate of mercury is applied to a piece of copper, brass, or bronze, followed by the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury. The item was then exposed to extreme heat until the mercury burned off and the gold remained, adhered to the metal object.

After around 1830 because legislation had outlawed the use of mercury other techniques were used instead. Electroplating is the most common modern technique. Ormolu techniques are essentially the same as those used on silver, to produce silver-gilt..

Dimensions in cm:

Height 23 x Width 9 x Depth 6.5

Dimensions in inches:

Height 9 inches x Width 3 inches x Depth 3 inches

Shipping:

We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge.

A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase.

UK shipping times are typically 2-3 days.

International shipping times vary depending on the destination and method of shipment.

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Delivery and return policy:

We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply.

In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item.

The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition.

Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses.

Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.

Returns will be processed within 1-2 business days of receipt.

Antique Italian Grand Tour Bronze figure of Roman Soldier 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Dimensions in inches:

Dimensions in cm:

Dimensions in inches:

Shipping:

Delivery and return policy:

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Antique Italian Grand Tour Bronze figure of Roman Soldier 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Dimensions in inches:

Dimensions in cm:

Dimensions in inches:

Shipping:

Delivery and return policy:

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