Exceptional neoclassical Italian alabaster and iridescent polychrome metal sculpture of Paulina Bonaparte Borghese, circa 1880.
This iconic, elegant sculpture depicts Paulina Bonaparte as Venus Victrix (Venus (Victorius) after the famous model by Antonio Canova which is now at the Borghese Gallery in Rome.
The nude figure reclining on an iridescent polychrome rainbow chaise lounge holding an apple in her hand on a black marble base with bronze paw feet.
This iconic marble figure is after the celebrated sculpture by Antonio Canova of Pauline Borghese, sister of Napoleon Bonaparte and wife of Prince Camillo Borghese. It was commissioned by Camillo, her second husband and executed in Rome from 1805-1808, after her marriage into the Borghese family in 1803. It was moved to the Galleria Borghese in Rome circa 1838 where it still resides.
Canova was renowned for his neoclassical sculpture which skillfully intertwined antique influences with modern artistic ideals, in this case representing the famed Roman Princess in the guise of Venus Victrix clutching an apple in her hand after being declared the winner of the infamous Judgement of Paris.
Size: 15" high x 22" wide x 9" deep.
Good condition, no repairs to the alabaster, rubbing to figure, rubbing to polychrome metal, normal wear consistent with age and use. This item is over 100 years old and is in very good condition overall. No major issues noted.