CA0345 Grand Tour terracotta bust of the Antinous Farnese by Sommer

Stunning, large scale, beautifully patinated late 19th century Grand Tour terracotta bust of the Antinous Farnese stamped Sommer Napol, after the antique. Superbly modelled with an integral socle base after the full body marble sculpture from around 130AD and part of the Farnese collection in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. 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. Sommer Napoli or 'Fonderia Sommer Napoli' is the foundry of Giorgio Sommer (1834-1914) - one of the most highly regarded Neapolitan creaters of Grand Tour bronzes, terracotta Grand Tour souvenirs and photographs. Rare good quality bust of Antinous. Italy, Naples, circa 1890.

Provenance: The Estate of the late Sabih Aykoler

H 70cm x W 39.5cm x D 35.5cm