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Castor and Pollux – Ildefonso Group
£43,800.00
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
Castor and Pollux – Ildefonso Group – Life-size cast bronze sculptures
The Castor and Pollux Group (also known as the San Ildefonso Group, after San Ildefonso in Segovia, Spain, the site of the palace of La Granja, where it was kept until 1839) is an ancient Roman sculptural group from the 1st century AD that is considered one of the most outstanding examples of Neo-Ascetic eclecticism. The location of the group is unknown, but it was first documented in the first half of the 17th century as part of Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi’s famous collection of antiquities. The statue group is now in the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Our online shop offers a replica based on the plaster cast of the original statue from the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Although the marble sculpture shows strong influences from Greek sculptures from the 5th and 4th centuries BC, it does not copy a single known Greek work. The group shows two idealised naked youths, both wearing laurel wreaths. The young men are leaning against each other, and to their left is a small female figure on an altar, which is generally interpreted as a statue of a female deity. She is holding a sphere, which is variously interpreted as an egg or a pomegranate.
The identification of the two figures is disputed, but is generally accepted today as a depiction of Castor and Pollux. The left figure (when facing the sculpture) was originally headless when discovered, but was restored by Ippolito Buzzi in the collection of Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi in the 17th century, when interpretative restorations were common. A bust of Antinous from the Hadrianic period (ca. 130) was used for the restoration, which corresponds to the type of Apollo Antinous and comes from another statue.
The group is now considered to be Castor and Pollux offering a sacrifice to Persephone. This identification is based on the figure on the right holding two torches, one facing downwards (on a flower-decorated altar) and one facing upwards (behind the back), and on the identification of the female sphere as an egg (like the one from which the Dioscuri were born). This interpretation was supported by Goethe, who owned a cast of the group.
In Greek and Roman mythology, Castor and Pollux (or Castor and Polydeukos) were twin brothers known together as the Dioscuri. Their mother was Leda, but they had different fathers: Castor was the mortal son of Tyndareus, king of Sparta, while Pollux was the divine son of Zeus, who seduced Leda in the form of a swan.
The Ildefonso group was copied many times from the 17th century onwards in various materials (marble, bronze, cast iron, porcelain), with varying sizes (the original is 161 cm high). Copies can be found in the staircase of Goethe’s residence in Weimar and next to the entrance to the study centre of the Duchess Anna Amalia Library. Replicas are also in the park Sanssouci, Charlottenburg Palace, Neustrelitz Palace Park, the palace parks of Versailles and Sceaux in France and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Description
Antique statue, cast bronze in museum quality
The sculpture 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 Madrid.
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
The life-size cast bronze replicas that you can buy from us online are therefore not only artistic replicas, but also timeless memories 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. And so, the exhibition for you and with your In keeping with the ancient traditions of Delphi and Rome, a statue made in your name as donor will forever commemorate your personality and achievements.
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
| Item No. | S43 |
|---|---|
| Material | Bronze cast |
| dimension (height x width x depth) | 161 cm x 106 cm x 56 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 | £43,800.00 |
