CA0255 Rare Grand Tour Capitoline Antinous and Venus de Medici by Boschetti

Important, fine quality, 19th century patinated library bronze reduction pairing of two of the highlights of the Grand Tour, the Venus de Medici and the Capitoline Antinous, stamped 'B.Boschetti Roma'. Possibly not originally purchased as a pair as one of the bronze bases is slightly taller than the other but of equal quality and presented on identical original Marmo Rosso Levanto and Belgian Black marble viewing bases typical of examples produced by Boschetti in Rome during the 19th century. The Venus de Medici was discovered in the late 17th century, purchased by Pope Benedict XIV in 1752 and presented to the Capitoline Museum. It was housed in a room known as the 'The Cabinet of Venus', where it remains to this day. The Capitoline Antinous was discovered at Hadrians Villa and presented to The Capitoline Museum by Pope Clement XII in 1733. Antinous was a beautiful youth from Bythynia in Greece and the lover of the Emperor Hadrian. Deified after his death he was worshipped as a god, a hero and example of male perfection. Benedetto Boschetti (1820-1870), Rome, circa 1860.

H 49/46.25cm x D 15cm