Neoclassical Italian Bronze Sphinx – Grand Tour Souvenir C.1820 On Marble Base

Neoclassical Italian Bronze Sphinx – Grand Tour Souvenir c.1820 on Marble Base
A Classical Masterwork of Symbolism and Elegance
This early 19th-century Italian bronze sculpture offers a striking neoclassical interpretation of the Sphinx, one of antiquity’s most enduring mythical figures. Dating from circa 1820, the piece exemplifies the refined taste of the Grand Tour era, when European elites sought tangible connections to the classical world through art and architecture.
Merging the mystique of ancient Egypt with Greco-Roman ideals of proportion and serenity, this sculpture captures the Sphinx not as a fearsome guardian, but as a serene, contemplative figure—symbolizing knowledge, strength, and timeless enigma.

Materials & Artistic Details
Crafted from bronze with subtle gilt accents, the sculpture features a natural, time-earned patina that enhances its antique character. The figure rests on a polished black marble base, a design choice that reinforces the classical contrast between organic and geometric forms.
The Sphinx is depicted in a calm, symmetrical pose—alert yet restrained. Her lion’s body conveys controlled power, while the delicately sculpted female face reflects the neoclassical pursuit of ideal beauty, influenced more by Roman sculpture than by the harsher lines of ancient Egyptian art.

The finish is finely textured rather than glossy, allowing the form to catch light softly across its surface. The overall effect is one of quiet authority and aged refinement.

Grand Tour Context & Craftsmanship
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Grand Tour was a rite of passage for wealthy European travelers. Collecting bronze statuettes such as this one was both a cultural and intellectual exercise—each piece serving as a personal memento of classical antiquity.
Although unsigned, as most Grand Tour bronzes were, this sculpture was likely produced in a specialized workshop in Rome or Florence. Such pieces were typically the result of collaborative craftsmanship involving skilled mold-makers, casters, and finishers. The precision, balance, and detailing evident here suggest a workshop of high caliber, with deep familiarity with both ancient models and neoclassical aesthetics.

Provenance
The sculpture was originally acquired from George Johnson Antiques, a long-standing and respected dealer formerly based in Westbourne Grove, London. A partial dealer’s label remains beneath the base. It later passed through a reputable Southern Shire auction and is now offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD as part of a carefully curated collection.
Dimensions
Length: 17 cm
Width: 8 cm
Height: 11 cm
Weight: 1.8 kg
Compact and well-proportioned, the sculpture is perfectly suited for display on a desk, library shelf, or console table.
Condition
This antique piece remains in good historical condition. The bronze surface shows light wear consistent with age, and the patina is stable and richly developed. One wing has undergone a professional repair. The marble base is largely smooth, with minor chipping along some edges. Structurally solid and visually impressive, the sculpture retains its decorative and historical appeal.
Summary of Features
Authentic Grand Tour-era bronze, c.1820
Depicts the Sphinx as a neoclassical figure of calm and strength
Fine aged patina with gilt highlights
Resting on a polished black marble plinth
Reflects classical ideals of symmetry, beauty, and allegorical meaning
Sourced from a reputable London antiques dealer with traceable provenance
Ideal for collectors of classical art, mythology, and Grand Tour memorabilia
Shipping
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