Italian Grand Tour Antique Bronze Sculpture “Orestes and Electra” ca. 1880

GRAND TOUR SCULPTURE OF ORESTES AND ELECTRA AFTER ANTIQUITY

Cast by Fonderia Sommer, Naples
Italy, circa 1880–1900

15 7/8" H x 4 1/2" D x 9 3/4" W

A finely executed lost-wax bronze cast with an original weathered verdigris patina, inscribed along the base "Fonderia Sommer Napoli"

The composition reproduces the ancient marble group traditionally identified as Orestes and Electra, excavated at Pozzuoli in 1750 and preserved in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli (inv. 6006). The figures represent the mythological siblings Orestes and Electra, although the identification of the ancient subjects remains debated. The original is associated with the sculptural tradition of Stephanos and the school of Pasiteles.

The bronze was produced by the Neapolitan foundry of Giorgio Sommer, known for its accurate reductions of classical antiquities for the Grand Tour market. Sommer also documented the original marble group in a nineteenth century photograph titled Oreste & Elettra, preserved in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (inv. RP-F-00-5353-18).

Condition: Excellent original condition with extensive natural wear and discoloration to the original verdigris patina. No observed structural flaws or repairs. Ready to place.

ref. 607PBR25Z