The present figure is after the celebrated original formerly in the Villa Medici, Rome, and now in the Uffizi, Florence.
John Cheere (d.1787) began his career in partnership with his brother Sir Henry Cheere but soon branched out on his own, taking over John Nost's yard and moulds for lead figures. His work was much in demand in his day and examples of his lead figures can be seen at Bowood and Stourhead.