Live Auction 7864500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe
A BRONZE EQUESTRIAN GROUP OF MARCUS AURELIUS
Lot 204

A BRONZE EQUESTRIAN GROUP OF MARCUS AURELIUS

AFTER THE ANTIQUE, ITALIAN, SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY

Closed8 July 2010

Price Realised

GBP 10,000

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A BRONZE EQUESTRIAN GROUP OF MARCUS AURELIUS
AFTER THE ANTIQUE, ITALIAN, SECOND HALF 18TH CENTURY
On an elaborate moulded marble base; dark brown patina; minor casting flaws; the lower section of the base possibly associated
15½ in. (39.5 cm.) high; 24 in. (61 cm.) overall

Specialist note

The reason for the commission of the monumental antique group in around 161-180 AD is unknown, but the youthful look of Marcus Aurelius's (121-80 AD) face suggests it was intended to celebrate an early victory in his career, possibly the war against the Parthians circa 161-166 AD. While some life-size aftercasts were taken from the original bronze, the most common reproductions of this model are in small-scale and derive from the late 16th to 18th centuries.

For a brief discussion on Marcus Aurelius's life see also the note to lot 177.