Live Auction 7470Christie's Interiors - Style & Spirit Including Collection of a Nobleman Part I
AN ITALIAN BRONZE GROUP OF THE FARNESE BULL
Lot 154

AN ITALIAN BRONZE GROUP OF THE FARNESE BULL

POSSIBLY CHIURAZZI, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Closed20 November 2012

Price Realised

GBP 5,000

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AN ITALIAN BRONZE GROUP OF THE FARNESE BULL
POSSIBLY CHIURAZZI, LATE 19TH CENTURY
After the Antique, on a square bronze plinth decorated in relief with scrolling foliage and white marble base
25 in. (63.5 cm.) high; 18 7/8 in. (48 cm.) square at base

Specialist note

The original marble group of the 'Farnese Bull' was excavated in 1545 at the Baths of Carcalla and by 1546 it had been installed at the Palazzo Farnese in Rome. In the 1550's the group was restored at the suggestion of Michelangelo and placed in the palace courtyard to serve as a fountain. The popularity of the group was such that in 1662 Louis XIV tried to purchase the sculpture, unsuccessfully, and by 1826 it was housed in the Museo Nazionale.