The Borghese Gladiator: A 19th Century French Engraving
£495.00
Description
A magnificent and tall Italian altar-style candlestick, dating to the late 18th Century (c. 1780–1795). Carved with exceptional finesse, this piece showcases the transition from the exuberant Baroque to the refined Neoclassical taste. Raised on a substantial tripod base, the candlestick features fluted columnar details and hand-carved acanthus foliation, retaining its original Gilt/Silver-leaf/Polychrome surface which has mellowed to a sublime, historic patina.
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International delivery is estimated at 5-7 working days.
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The Borghese Gladiator: A 19th Century French Engraving
This striking engraving represents a "Heroic" study of the Borghese Gladiator, an iconic Hellenistic marble sculpture. Published in Paris by Danlos Aîné, a well-known 19th-century print dealer, the work is a collaboration between the draughtsman Granger, the engraver Alexis Girardet, and the renowned master-printer Chardon Aîné.
The image captures the intense physical tension and anatomical precision of the warrior in a defensive stance. This plate was originally produced for the refined French market, intended for students of art and connoisseurs of the Grand Tour aesthetic.
Dealer’s Comments
"This print is for the collector who values 'The Look' of a genuine antique. The water staining and the tear give this piece a rugged, lived-in quality that works exceptionally well in a 'Dark Academia' or 'Industrial' interior. Despite the wear, the quality of the printing by Chardon Aîné remains undeniable—the depth of the muscle definition is superb. We’ve used a sleek ebony-style frame to elevate the piece, turning its historical damage into a point of authentic character."
Condition Report
Good Antique Condition. An honest, "as-found" example that carries the authentic patina of a 150-year-old studio document.
The paper shows visible water staining. This has resulted in a characteristic "tide mark"—a darkening of the paper fibers where liquid once sat.
There is a notable tear. This has been carefully stabilised and supported by the new professional mount. While visible, it does not compromise the structural integrity of the framed piece.
Aside from the water damage, the paper has a warm, natural antique cream tone with light, generalised foxing throughout.
Newly presented in a bespoke black ebony-style frame with a professional, acid-free gallery mount. The dark frame provides a sharp contrast that helps "ground" the aged paper and pulls the viewer's eye toward the powerful anatomical detail of the engraving.
Measurement
Height:Â Â Â Â Â Â 51.5 cm /Â Â Â 20.3 inch
Width:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 63 cm /Â Â Â Â 24.8 inch
Depth:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 3.5 cm /Â Â Â Â 1.4 inch
Weight:Â Â Â Â Â Â 3 k.g. /Â Â Â Â Â 6.6 lbs
Cleaning, Polishing & Restoration
All our collections have been through our workshop and where possible, we always try to maintain the original finish preserving the patina and colour, some items are sympathetically restored and this is done by our own skilled craftsmen using only traditional methods
