catalog text
FRENCH CLASSICAL ANTIQUE BRONZE SCULPTURE OF GALILEO
Scroll impressed "Et Cependent La Terre Tourne!"
Item # 1402WWD25PW
This exceptional antique French bronze sculpture captures the astronomer Galileo surrounded by thick leather bound volumes tucked into the ornate bookshelf he leans upon, his brow furrowed and deep in though as he gazes deeply into the globe balanced under his heavy hand. A scroll has spilled from the bookshelf, hanging open on the floor with the visible words "et cependent la terre tourne!" His garb is intense and detailed, the flowing robes wrapping around him and furled along the ground - each twist and curve is sculpted exactly and cast with precision. His vest and fur collar are intricately chased and filed to leave crisp the fine texture of the fabric and fur.
Note, while this example is sold, we may have a smaller version of this sculpture still available in our inventory - click here to view the newly acquired sculpture.
Measurements: [base] 15 1/8" wide x 9" deep x 2 1/8" high [figure] 11" wide x 8 3/4" deep x 14" high
Condition Report:
Traces of verdigris oxidization in corners and crevices throughout (garment, eyes, etc.) - some roughness to surface where verdigris has developed (corners/crevices). Light patina wear throughout, the surface preserved under wax recently, the surface clearly photographed in high resolution in the slideshow - it remains highly attractive. The arm leaning on bookshelf has very slight looseness at the joint - the sculpture is constructed this way so that undue pressure is not unrelieved on the shoulder. Three major chip losses to the black marble base edges, the marble base with numerous small chips and roughness along edge, the green molding around the base chipped at back left corner. Please review all images in the slideshow for a full overview of condition.
