Portrait Plaque of the Albani Antinous in Bronze by Barbedienne

Fine large mid 19th century patinated bronze bas-relief plaque of Antinous by Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) after the antique original in the Villa Albani in Rome. The villa was built by Cardinal Alessandro Albani (1692-1779) between 1747 and 1767 to house his collection of antiquities.The original was excavated in 1735 from the ruins of Hadrian’s private apartments in his villa at Tivoli. Regarded as the most beautiful man in the Roman world Antinous was both the favourite and lover of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Signed 'F. Barbedienne Fondeur' the bronze hangs on a beautifully gently faded period heavy ribbon with a large tassle with suspension ring to reverse. France, circa 1850.

Plaque: H 26cm x W 23.5cm x D 3.5cm 
Ribbon: L 89.5cm 

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