Live Auction 10697The English Collector
A WHITE MARBLE GROUP OF MARS AND VENUS
Lot 154

A WHITE MARBLE GROUP OF MARS AND VENUS

AFTER THE MODEL BY ANTONIO CANOVA, MID-19TH CENTURY

Closed21 May 2015

Price Realised

GBP 18,750

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A WHITE MARBLE GROUP OF MARS AND VENUS
AFTER THE MODEL BY ANTONIO CANOVA, MID-19TH CENTURY
The standing figure of Mars embracing a semi-draped Venus, on a rectangular marble base, inscribed to the underside 'Eigentum des Baron von Rothschild, Braungasse, Wien’, the staff lacking
35 ½ in. (90 cm.) high

Specialist note

Antonio Canova's original sculpture of the Roman Gods Mars and Venus was commissioned by the Prince Regent, later George IV, for Carlton House in 1815 during Canova's visit to London to view the Elgin Marbles. It represents an allegory of War and Peace after England’s victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Exhibited in 1822, Canova delivered the sculpture to Carlton House 1824, where it was placed in the Gothic Conservatory. The sculpture is currently in the collection of H. M. the Queen at Buckingham Palace, where it is on display in the Marble Hall.

A similar figure was sold anonymously Christie's, New York, 29 - 30 November 2012, lot 345, ($17,500 including premium).