Important Grand Tour Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius

Rare and important large scale Grand Tour bronze and marble Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius after the antique original in the Palazzo del Conservatori in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. This example is a rarely seen exact copy of the pedestal base designed and produced by Michelangelo with the Papal coat of arms of Paul III and the SPQR symbol of Rome to the two curved ends. The carved latin inscription to the two sides and the front of the base are of the correct dimensions and not infilled or painted like most examples. It is very unusual to see all these four elements, reinforcing the quality of this piece. The bronze equestrian figure of Marcus Aurelious is patinated with areas of applied gold with a slight flat verdigris feel to replicate the original statue in the Palazzo del Conservatori. Casts of this model have been recorded by the Roman bronze foundry of Giacomo and Giovanni Zoffoli (1738-1795) and (1745-1805), as well as that of Francesco Righetti (1738-1819). The bronze portrays Marcus Aurelius extending his hand in a gesture of adiocutio used by emperors when addressing their troops to show the Emperor as victorious. However, he is shown without weapons or armour, a symbol of peace rather than a military conquerer, for this is how he saw himself and his reign. Unsigned but a particularly fine early example probably made in the Vatican workshops. Italy, late 18th or early 19th century.

H 61.5cm x W 36.5cm x D 19cm

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