Rare pair of Grand Tour bronzes of the Tyrannicides in Naples

Very rare pair of mid to late 19th century bronze statues of one of the most esoteric souvenirs of the Grand Tour: Harmodius and Aristogeiton, the Tyrannicides. In thirty years of collecting Grand Tour this is the first pair we have seen. The original Roman marble examples that currently reside in the National Archeological Museum in Naples are copies of the now lost Athenian versions by Kritios and Nesiotes which stood in the Agora. Harmodius and Aristogeiton were two classical Athenian lovers who attempted to assassinate the tyrant Hippias and killied his brother Hipparchus for which they were executed in 514BC and forever became known as the Tyrannicides. Their daring act opened the way for democracy in Athens. Patinated bronze on specially made tiered oval ebonised wooden bases which may have been created later but fit perfectly. One figure has a fig leaf to cover his genitals, the other has lost his detatachable fig leaf. Sublime pair of rarely seen Grand Tour bronzes in superb condition, a must for any serios collector of Grand Tour bronzes. Italian, probably Neapolitan, circa 1860.

Total: H 34cm x W 37.5 x D 18cm
Figures: H 26.5/18cm x W 21/29cm x D 11cm
Bases: H 6cm x W 34.5 cm x D 18cm 

SOLD