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Borghese Gladiator

£33,800.00

Delivery time: 12 weeks. Deliveries to Scotland: 13 weeks. Free delivery in England, Scotland & Wales (except islands)

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Antique Borghese fencer statue – template for the replica bronze statue

The Borghese Fencer, also known as the Borghese Gladiator, is an ancient statue of a fighting warrior that was found during excavations for Cardinal Scipione Borghese in Porto d’Anzio in the first decade of the 17th century. The life-size marble statue dates back to the 3rd century BC and was restored by Nicolas Cordier in the 17th century.
 
The statue was brought to the Villa Borghese in Rome in 1613, but was later sold to Napoleon by Camillo Borghese in 1807 and is now in the Louvre in Paris. Agasias from Ephesus, son of Dositheus, is named as the artist in the inscription. The statue is described as a gladiator, but is more likely to depict a swordsman.
 
Replicas of the Borghese fencers can be found in the Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg and in the palace gardens of Leopoldskron Palace. The statue was much admired and copied in the 18th century. There are replicas in various places, including Windsor Castle and Petworth House.
 
The Borghese fencer also became popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with casts in sizes suitable for the living room, either true to the original or with a fig leaf in front of the genitals. The statue served as a model for anatomical studies and was mentioned in literature and art, such as in Gottfried Keller’s artist’s novel “Der grĂ¼ne Heinrich” and the painting “Atelierszene” by Johann Peter Hasenclever.
 
The copy of the statue offered in our online shop is based on a plaster cast of the original in the Louvre. It can be purchased as a bronze or marble replica.
 
The Borghese Fencer is most likely a Hellenistic marble version based on an older, unknown bronze original by the sculptor Lysippos from the late classical period. The presence of the tree speaks in favour of the existence of an older bronze model. The tree shows the need to reinforce a work that was originally made of bronze and therefore needed no support – and which was then transferred to marble, a much heavier material that breaks more easily.

Description

Buy Borghese fencer as a replica bronze statue in museum quality

The sculpture is produced as a bronze cast using the traditional lost wax technique. The negative mould required for this is based on a plaster cast of the original in the Louvre.
 

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 one of these moulds, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to receiving your
Mail or call us.
 

Patinating the bronze statue

Patination marks the final step in the finishing process of a bronze statue. The patina simulates the natural oxidation process that causes the bronze to weather differently over time, depending on the environmental influences on the copper alloy. We have various patina recipes in our repertoire, including one that corresponds well to the patina of preserved antique bronze statues. We will be happy to provide you with samples of suitable patinas in advance.
 

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.
 

Buying your own personal legacy – a replica bronze statue

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.
 
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.
 

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

Antique statues are hardly available in the original. Since their rediscovery in the Renaissance, expensive replicas have been made for castles, their parks and also for the mansions of the wealthy bourgeoisie. During this period, a canon for the installation and placement of these works of art was created that developed into modern times. Here you will find an overview of particularly beautiful locations for antique statues. We also offer you an overview of some publicly accessible gardens and parks, each of which has an impressive collection of ancient sculptures. With specific details of which statues can be seen where. Go travelling, let yourself be inspired!
 

Product details

Borghese Gladiator
Item No.S27
MaterialBronze cast
dimension (height x width x depth)166 cm x 131,5 cm x 152,5
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£33,800.00