catalog text
SUBSTANTIAL GRAND TOUR BRONZE SCULPTURE OF CLASSICAL FIGURE SUBDUING A STAG
Cast by the foundry of Chiurazzi Napoli (signed verso), late 19th/early 20th century
Item # 612SZQ14X
This remarkable work details the labor of Hercules subduing Cerynitis, the stag of Artemis, while bound by the task of Eurystheus. After pursuing the powerful creature for a year, Hercules disabled Cerynitis while the hind was drinking along the rivers edge. After binding Cerynitis’ wound, Hercules set off to return the stag to the court of King Eurystheus and along the way is met by Artemis and Apollo. He begs her forgiveness and she relents and allows him to carry Cerynitis alive to the court.
Cast with inordinate fidelity by the foundry of Chiurazzi in Napoli, the work is very large and most substantial. Each hair on the standing figure’s head is crisply chiseled, the fingernails and notes of perfect realism. Anatomically exact, muscular male figure imposes angles against the hind that are most convincing. It is a powerful presentation with a profile over two feet in both height and width. The deep black patina is wonderfully complex with it’s matte and gloss, rubbed highlights and touches of green verdigris oxidization. The pair of figures wrestle over an intricate naturalistic base of rocky ground and variated fauna. Along the back edge is engraved in neat scripting “Chiurazzi Napoli”. Founded in 1840, the Chiurazzi foundry thrived in the center of Neapolitan craftsmanship, the foundry operating alongside an educational facility to train skilled artisans. They flourished through the beginning of the Second World War, after which a crippled economy left the industry too damaged to continue. The body of their work focused around the “antiques” of yore, classical works from Ancient Greece and Rome.
For the passionate collector of the very best in detail, execution and substance, this very fine work is an absolute strikepoint piece that defines a room and invigorates a collection.
Measurements: 25 1/2” H x 28” W x 12” D
Condition Report:
Trace verdigris oxidization to patina, beautiful original black patina with some handling wear/rubbing. Seam visibility in some legs, antler joints, etc. as expected, overall very tight beautiful joinery. Waxed and polished in the shop, presentation ready.