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Amazon Mattei

£52,900.00

Delivery time: 6 months. Free delivery in England, Scotland & Wales (except islands)
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Origin and place of discovery

The Mattei-Amazonn statue is the best-preserved marble copy of a lost bronze original by Phidias, which was created around 430 BC. The Roman marble statue, made at the time of Emperor Augustus, is 211 centimetres high and was discovered in 1770. The Mattei-Amazon is named after the family that once owned it. It is now on display in the Pio Clementino Museum of the Vatican Museums. Another example of this type can be found in the Capitoline Museum.

Who is Amazon Mattei?

The Amazonn were warrior women who lived in Anatolia around 2,000 BC. They are said to be the daughters of Ares, the god of war, and Harmonia. The Amazonn are deeply rooted in Greek history and myth. Homer’s Iliad from the 8th century BC already describes events that took place before the Trojan War and in which Amazonn made an appearance. The Greek hero Bellerophon fought against the Amazons during his stay in Lycia. Priam, the king of Troy, fought in his youth on the side of the Phrygians when they were attacked by Amazonn.

Description

Historical significance, details

A number of Roman marble copies of the Greek bronze originals from the Amazonn have been found. These can be categorised stylistically into five types: Lansdowne type, Capitoline type, Mattei type, Villa Doria Pamphilj type and Ephesus type. Pliny the Elder records five bronze statues of Amazonn in the Artemision of Ephesus. He explains the existence of such a quantity of sculptures on the same theme in the same place by citing a competition from the 5th century BC between the artists Polyclitus, Phidias, Kresilas, “Kydon” and Phradmon. The winner of the competition was the version by Polykleitos. Phidias came second with the statue known today as Amazon Mattei.

 

Antique statue, cast bronze in museum quality

The sculpture is produced as a bronze casting using the traditional lost wax technique. The negative mould required for this is based on a plaster cast of the original in the Pio Clementino Museum in the Vatican Museums.

 

Cast marble & marble sculpture from the sculptor

In addition to classic bronze casting, we also offer two other moulds for the statues shown here. Marble casting from powdered genuine white marble. And the new moulding of the statue by sculptors from a single block of white marble. If you are interested in such a mould, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to receiving your e-mail or phone call.

 

Authentic Reproductions of Ancient Bronze Statues: Classical Weathered Patina and, exclusively new and available only with us, the Original Antique Patina based on the latest 2022 Louvre research findings

We offer two exceptional patina options for bronze statues. The first is the classical patina, which beautifully captures the natural weathered appearance of bronze. Since the rediscovery of ancient life-sized bronzes, this patina has become the preferred choice and is available in up to three popular variations.

 

For enthusiasts seeking an authentic, antique aesthetic, we present a groundbreaking innovation: a faithfully recreated surface finish that matches precisely what the ancient audience would have admired. Thanks to the spectacular research findings published by the Louvre Museum in late 2022, we are now able to replicate the surface of ancient life-sized bronzes with remarkable accuracy. The multi-year study of the Charioteer of Delphi, conducted using cutting-edge technology, revealed that the statue, aside from minor details such as the eyes, headband, and belt, once displayed a high-gloss, golden sheen reminiscent of subtly shimmering gold leaf. It is therefore highly likely that renowned ancient sites, such as Delphi, Olympia, and Delos, presented themselves to ancient visitors with bronze statues gleaming in golden splendour.

This effect was achieved through the use of bronze with a 10% tin content. Armed with this scientifically substantiated knowledge, we can now offer an authentically recreated, antique surface for our reproductions of ancient life-sized bronzes – a level of precision that was unattainable prior to these 2022 research advancements.

 

Individualisation of the statue

Each statue cast by us is engraved in the base with a serial number, date of manufacture and our company logo. The base is also engraved with your name, a lettering, the occasion of production, your own company logo or additional engraving as required.

Your very personal legacy

Our life-size cast bronze replicas are therefore not only artistic replicas, but also timeless reminders that will preserve your legacy for generations to come. By engraving your name, the date and the occasion on the base, this statue becomes an everlasting symbol of your most personal life achievement, your significance in this world and your work there.

 

Memory cast in bronze in the radiant light of antiquity

Ancient Greek bronze statues and their masterfully crafted Roman marble replicas were the sensual and visual mirror of these two advanced civilisations for over a millennium. After their rediscovery during the Renaissance, these statues once again became world-famous and symbolised the emergence of modernity. The statue made for you and with your name as the donor will forever be a reminder of your personality and achievements in the ancient traditions of Delphi and Rome.

 

Locations for the installation of ancient statues & list of parks with ancient sculptures

In exceptionally designed gardens and parks, alongside high horticultural artistry and exceptionally beautiful design, the use of top-notch furnishings often shines. Whether it’s furniture or statues and sculptures. Now original antique statues are not or very rarely available for sale. Since their rediscovery in the Renaissance, costly replicas have such been made for castles, their parks, and concurrently for the mansions of the bourgeoisie who have attained great wealth. During this time, a canon for the placement and positioning of these artworks formed and developed into modern times. In our online shop, you’ll find an overview of particularly beautiful locations for ancient statues. Additionally, we provide you with an overview of some publicly accessible gardens and parks, each boasting an impressive collection of ancient sculptures, along with specific details on where each statue can be seen.

Product details

Amazon Mattei
Item No.S09
MaterialBronze cast
dimension (height x width x depth)211 cm x 76 cm x 87,5 cm
What you receiveSingle piece, Bronze cast. The exact design details, measurements and weight as well as the structure and colour of the Bronze cast may vary.
DeliveryDelivered using our own van
Delivery ChargeFree delivery in England and Wales (except islands) and to a few EU countries. Click here for details.
Price incl. VAT£52,900.00