CA0159 Important Grand Tour Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius

Large example of a late 19th century Grand Tour patinated bronze Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius after the antique original in the Palazzo del Conservatori in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. 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. Presented on a patinated bronze copy of the original plinth designed by Michelangelo with carved latin inscriptions. Bronze stamped 'Pandiani Milano' for the Milan art foundary of the Pandani dynasty which included Giovanni Pandiana (1809-1879), Constantino Pandiani (1837-1922) and Antonio Pandiani (1838-1928). The bronze was accompanied by a later associated plaque stating that the bronze was awarded to 'Senatore Ado Rossini' in 1929, the Italian Fascist Party banker and former senator. Good rare example of this statue in bronze at this size. Milan, Italy, circa 1890.

H 55cm x W 33cm x D 15.5cm