catalog text
A RARE PAIR OF CLASSICAL STATUES DEPICTING "DIANA OF GABII" AND "AESCHINES"
Italian, circa 19th century executed after the Antique originals; unsigned
Item # 106EDG17Q
An incredibly fine and rare pair of full-length Classical statues of the goddess Artemis and the Greek orator Aeschines, both sculpted to be presented as a matched pair. Note the exquisite translucent Cararra marble with its soapy and silky texture, lightly worn and stained from years of exposure, retaining a lovely natural surface patina throughout.
Clearly carved by an expert hand, both sculptures exhibit superior surface texture, tight chiseled detail throughout and exquisite finishing work; note the crisp execution of the toes, sandals, the hammered texture bringing to life the hair of both figures, fine chiseling of the faces and perfectly smooth and polished surfaces.
They are modeled after the antique originals, Diana of Gabii (or Artemis of Gabii) in the collection of the Louvre, and the statue of Aeschines as found in the Villa of the Papyri buried beneath the volcanic material from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and held in the permanent collection of the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. Individually, these are a most rare find on the open market - as a matched pair, they are truly a magnificent acquisition for the serious collector.
Measurements: [Aescheines] 41 1/2" H x 16" W, 12" W (base) x 12" D (base); [Diana] 43" H x 14" W (arm to arm) x 15" W (base) x 9" D (base)
Condition Report:
Discoloration to marble, staining to garment of both figures, some roughness to the edges of garments and chipping to the edge of the bases; loss to lower half of Aeschines' pinky and abrasion to the middle finger on his right hand, losses to toes on both figures. Overall a very fine presentation.