John J. Gredler Works of Art

Grand Tour Bronze of a Nude Wrestler after the Roman Original from Herculaneum

A very fine Grand Tour bronze of a naked wrestler after the ancient Roman original. 19th century, Italian. 

The original is on display in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples. The bronzes is part of the statuary of Villa of the Papyri, a luxury villa on the outskirts of the ancient Herculaneum (Ercolano), where they were found and excavated in 1754. The work portrays a nude young athlete on an rectangular base in a crouching and striding posture of attack, with very fine hair and facial features. Original black lacquered patina.

Two wrestlers were excavated together. They are probably copies of Greek statues of the late fourth century or the early 3rd century BC, celebrating a victorious athlete in one of the major Pan-hellenic games. Dating to the Augustan Age, 43 BC - 18 AD.

Very good antique condition. Some oxidation to the underside of the base.

8" h  x  8" w  x  3.2" d      Base : 5.75" w  x  3.2" d