Napoleon as Mars after Canova

Very rare, good quality black patinated bronze bust of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker after Canova presented on a turned Portasanta and Giallo Antico marble column base which in turn sits on an Africa Luculleo grey block base. The original is a full length heroic nude commissioned from Antonio Canova by Napoleon, it was produced between 1802 and 1806 and stands 3.45 metres to the raised left hand. Purchased from the Louvre and later granted to Wellington by the British Government, it is still on display in the stairwell of Apsley House. Wellington admired both Napoleon and Canova. A simple bust version of this masterpiece that Canova made from his model of the statue is still on display in the stairwell at Chateau de Malmaison and another version can be seen in the Sculpture Gallery at Chatsworth House. The specimen marble style base would suggest this bust is most likely to be Italian, first half of the 19th century.

H 39.5cm x W 14cm x D 17cm

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