Very Fine Roman Bronze Apollo Statuette

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Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic

By Artemis Gallery

Feb 21, 2019

Set Reminder 2019-02-21 10:00:00 2019-02-21 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-3858
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. An exquisite bronze statue of Apollo in the nude standing in contrapposto with his left leg bent at the knee, the heel lifted and his weight shifted to his right leg, his torso slightly twisted with the right forearm brought forward and the left shoulder slightly back, with a quiver on his back and both hands intended to hold attributes such as a kithara or bow, a serpent, or perhaps a laurel branch - all skillfully cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process. His hair is beautifully styled and detailed - rolled back at the sides with a low chignon at the nape of his neck and spiraling tresses cascading over his shoulders. His nude body is athletic and masculine though with somewhat effeminate curves suggesting a Hellenistic prototype. Apollo, god of music, poetry, art, and knowledge, is portrayed here at the height of Classical beauty with not only an attractive physique but also idealized facial features - articulated, almond-shaped eyes with delineated lids, pupils, and a softly curved browline, a slender, aquiline nose, and closed sensual lips. Gorgeous dark green/brown patina has developed on the bronze over the ages. What's more, the figure stands upon an integral rectangular pedestal and the sinuous curve of his pose beckons the viewer to admire him from all angles. Size: 5.625" H (14.3 cm)
  
  Apollo, god of music, poetry, art, and knowledge, is portrayed here, as he always was, as the height of Classical beauty. This statuette was likely based on a larger statue that was prominent in public life and may have been votive, kept on a personal altar, or displayed in the home as a decorative piece.
  
  A slightly smaller Roman bronze Apollo statue sold at Christie's New York for $30,000 - Sale 2450, 9 June 2011, Lot 172 - https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-roman-bronze-apollo-circa-2nd-century-5443355-details.aspx
  
  Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Dr. Sid Port collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1980s; ex-private Texas, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s to present
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
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  #141477

  Condition

  Missing fingertips of right hand and attributes once held in hands. Otherwise, the piece is truly exquisite with marvelous rich green patina that has developed over the ages.
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