Patinated bronze group by Cecioni depicting a child and rooster

Patinated bronze group by Cecioni depicting a child and rooster
Italian, Late 19th century
Height 37cm, width 21cm, depth 16cm
 
Beautifully crafted by the 19th century Florentine artist Adriano Cecioni, this highly amusing bronze figural group is masterfully expressive.
 
Expertly hand-crafted, this bronze is made in a classical style that is rooted in verisimilitude. The viewer is drawn to the agonised expression of the young boy, as he clutches at the rooster struggling in his arms. The figures are rendered with immense detail: the engraving of the rooster to replicate the ruffled feathers of the real animal is very fine, and the drapery of the boy’s tunic is highly naturalistic. The patination of the bronze surface creates subtle colour variations which add to the skilful detail of the piece.
 
Further details include a toy cannon set at the boy’s feet, perhaps a reminder of his youthful nature. The group stands atop a plinthed rounded bronze support, all of which is set on a circular marble base, which provides a complimentary contrast to the otherwise bronze colour palette.
 
The piece is signed 'Adriano Cecioni', and the applied shield to the base is inscribed 'ENFANT AU COQ, PAR ADRIANO CECIONI, FIRENZE'. These signatures testify to the important history of this stunning piece, as a superb Neoclassical figural group that would make a beautiful addition to any home.
 
Artist/ Maker: Adriano Cecioni