Borghese Gladiator
A BRONZE REDUCTION OF THE BORGHESE GLADIATOR ON MARBLE BASE AFTER THE ANTIQUE
France 19th Century
Height 19 ½” (49 cm ) Length 16 1/4” (41.5 cm )
The well modelled muscular contestant is shown in fighting pose. The bronze is well patinated and has an appealing colour.
The Borghese Gladiator.
Also known as: Discobolus, Fighting Gladiator, Hector, Heros combatant and Borghese Warrior, this life-size sculpture was first recorded on 11 June 1611 when it was being restored following its discovery at Nettuno ( near Anzio ). Soon after it became part of the Borghese collection where it remained until 1807 when it was purchased by Napoleon Bonaparte. It now resides in the Louvre.
Within 20 years of its discovery a bronze cast had been made for Charles 1. It soon became immensely popular and copies were to be found in the grounds of many of England’s major country houses.
£3,400
