AFTER THE ANTIQUE
From time to time, Christie's may offer a lot whic… Read more
AFTER THE ANTIQUE

Farnese Bull

Details
AFTER THE ANTIQUE
Farnese Bull
on a later porphyry and Siena marble base
bronze, patinated
24 in. (61 cm.) high; 14 ¼ in. (36 cm.) square, overall
Circa 1850-1900.
Special notice
From time to time, Christie's may offer a lot which it owns in whole or in part. This is such a lot. These lots have been imported from outside the EU for sale using a Temporary Import regime. Import VAT is payable (at 5%) on the Hammer price. VAT is also payable (at 20%) on the buyer’s Premium on a VAT inclusive basis. When a buyer of such a lot has registered an EU address but wishes to export the lot or complete the import into another EU country, he must advise Christie's immediately after the auction. This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.

Lot Essay

This bronze group is a reduction of the colossal Farnese Bull, today in the Museo Nazionale, Naples. Also known as the Fable of Dirce, the group was excavated in the Baths of Caracalla in 1545 and was moved to the Palazzo Farnese immediately there after. In the 1550s, the group was restored at the suggestion of Michelangelo and placed in the palace courtyard to serve as a fountain. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the group was praised enthusiastically by the most sophisticated connoisseurs, including Louis XIV who tried unsuccessfully to purchase it in 1662. Of continued popularity, bronze reductions of such model were produced through to the 19th century.

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