£34,400.00
incl. VAT plus Shipping Costs
Delivery time: 2 weeks. Deliveries to Scotland: 3 weeks. Free delivery in England, Scotland & Wales (except islands)
USA delivery click here
The marble statue of a reclining muse, the Muse Polyhymnia, is an Augustan copy from the period 20 BC – 10 AD based on a Hellenistic bronze original. The statue was found in 1729 in the Villa Asprorum, also known as the Villa of the Julii Aspri, not far from Rome, according to other information in the Marius Villa in Frascati.
The torso is antique without the plinth up to below the shoulders. The restoration and additions were carried out by the sculptor Rauch. The marble statue is one of ten statues in the so-called Lycomedes group from the Polignac Collection in the Antikensammlung zu Berlin. Melchior de Polignac (1661 – 1741), who gave his name to this collection, was a French cardinal, diplomat, poet and well-known collector of antiquities. In 1742, Frederick II purchased the late cardinal’s collection of antiquities, which comprised around 300 works and, with its important pieces, formed one of the foundations of today’s Antikensammlung Berlin. There is a cast-iron copy of the statue in the Iron House in Graz.
Polyhymnia was the muse of sacred religious music and poetry. Polyhymnia is sometimes regarded as the muse of thinkers and geometry because she herself is such a deep thinker. She is always depicted in a long, modest dress with a cloak-like veil. Polyhymnia is credited with inventing the lyre. Many of the ancient Greek thinkers pay tribute to Polyhymnia and say that she inspired them to great thoughts.
The sculpture shown in our online shop is produced as a bronze casting using the traditional lost wax technique. The basis for the negative mould required for this is a plaster cast of the original in Berlin.
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 would like to purchase one of the marble variants, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to receiving your e-mail or phone call.
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.
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, lettering, the occasion of manufacture, your own company logo or additional engraving as required. Please let us know the data for the desired engraving when you purchase the replica.
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.
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.
In keeping with the ancient traditions of Delphi and Rome, the statue made for you and with your name as the donor will forever be a reminder of your personality and achievements.
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.
Item No. | S33 |
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Material | Bronze cast |
dimension (height x width x depth) | 148 cm x 72 cm x 41 cm |
What you receive | Single piece, Bronze cast. The exact design details, measurements and weight as well as the structure and colour of the Bronze cast may vary. |
Delivery | Delivered using our own van |
Delivery Charge | Free delivery in England and Wales (except islands) and to a few EU countries. Click here for details. |
Price incl. VAT | £34,400.00 |