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Dioscuri Statue Quirinal

£226,600.00

Delivery time: 2 weeks. Deliveries to Scotland: 3 weeks. Free delivery in England, Scotland & Wales (except islands)
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Origin and location of the original statue for the bronze replica

The Dioscuri Fountain on the Roman Piazza del Quirinale is flanked by the 5.6 metre high statues of the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux. Placed in front of an obelisk, they hold two rearing steeds in check. The left horse tamer of the collosal statue group is depicted. Both ancient statues were recovered from the ruins of the Baths of Constantine before 1585. They were erected in Quirinal Square under Pope Sixtus V. They are Roman copies of Greek originals made of bronze, attributed to the sculptors Phidias and Praxiteles.

The young, muscular naked Dioskure, almost 6 metres tall in the original, reins an equally tall, leaping steed. The sheer size of the statue group makes it a truly monumental sight. The bent right arm has its hand clenched into a fist at thigh height. The Dioskure is standing on the right leg, which is slightly bent and pointing outwards. The torso of a warrior, whose head is missing, is visible behind the foot and supporting leg. The upper body is unclothed, the leg dress of the torso is held by a double-breasted belt. The Dioskure himself is looking to the left, highly focussed. His head is covered by a thick head of curly hair. The robe, which falls to the ground, is thrown loosely over his upper arm. With his left hand raised, he is taming the horse, which is leaping away to the left, with (lost) bronze reins. This mighty bronze replica, which you can buy in our online shop, is made from the plaster cast of the original statue, which was produced in Rome in 1799. Please note when purchasing that later additions, in particular the left forearm, are missing here.

Description

Who are the Dioscuri of the Quirinal?

Most modern scholars agree that the two Dioscuri Castor and Pollux, or Polydeukos in Greek, are depicted here. Polydeukes is the son of Leda and Zeus, who seduced her in the form of a swan.

 

Castor is the son of Leda and her husband Tyndareos. Conceived on the same night, the twins are inseparable. Polydeuces, a pugilist, is immortal as the son of a god, but Castor, a horse tamer, is a mortal.

 

Historical significance, trivia

Horses and Dioscuri were once part of the ancient monumental Temple of Serapis, located on today’s Piazza del Quirinale and in the immediate neighbourhood of the Baths of Constantine. Other famous statues were recovered in this neighbourhood. Two statues of Constantine, one of which is located in the Lateran Basilica. The other statue of Constantine is located on the balustrade of the Capitoline Square. Another statue depicting Constantine’s son, Constantine II, as Caesar is also located on the Capitol Square. Two statues representing the Nile and Tiber adorn the fountains at the Palazzo Senatorio.

 

In 1942, Mussolini decorated his Palazzo della Civiltà italiana in Rome’s EUR district with four monumental equestrian statues by Publio Morbiducci and Alberto de Felci depicting the Dioscuri.

 

Antique statue, bronze replica 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 made in Rome in 1799. The finished bronze sculpture is of museum quality and corresponds to the original in Rome as it was in 1799. Later additions and restorations, in particular the left forearm, are missing here.

 

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 replica 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 the production, your own company logo or additional details as required. Simply let us know the details when you purchase the bronze replica statue.

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 cultures for over a millennium.

 

advanced civilisations. 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

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

Dioscuri Statue Quirinal
Item No.S06
MaterialBronze cast
height560 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£226,600.00