AN ETRUSCAN BRONZE FIGURE OF A STANDING YOUTH, 2ND CENTURY BC

Well cast, depicted nude and standing in contrapposto, his right arm outstretched while his left rests akimbo upon his hip, a cloak sliding from his shoulder. His youthful face conveying a serene expression, distinguished by almond-shaped eyes, a prominent nose, and full lips, framed by wavy hair cascading down the nape and secured by a band.

Provenance: Collection of François Antonovich, Paris, France, acquired in the 1970s and thence by descent. François Antonovich (1934–2023) was a distinguished antiquarian and avid art collector, director of several museums, and one of the foremost experts on Alexander the Great and Emperor Rudolf II of the Holy Roman Empire, two figures around whom he structured his art collections. He developed his passion for ancient art and collecting during his childhood in Egypt, residing in Cairo with his family of Spanish and Italian origins. Over the years, and beginning in the 1970s, he opened several galleries in Paris, and for nearly fifty years amassed an extensive collection of art objects and curiosities from diverse regions and periods, guided by his particular cultural interests. This collection constituted a true Renaissance-style cabinet of curiosities, reflecting both refined taste and profound erudition in the study of historical works of art.
Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age, with expected wear and casting irregularities. Small losses to the right hand and tip of the right foot. Light warping and minimal signs of corrosion. Few minor nicks and light surface scratches. The bronze exhibiting a rich, naturally grown patina with malachite encrustations.

Weight: 271.3 g (incl. stand)
Dimensions: Height 11.6 cm (excl. stand), 16.8 cm (incl. stand)

Mounted on an associated stand. (2)

Literature comparison:
Compare a related bronze statuette of a standing youth, Lower Italy, dated 4th century BC, 10.4 cm high, in the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, inventory number ZV 2709. Compare a related bronze statuette of a youth, Etruscan, dated 4th-3rd century BC, 10.2 cm high, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, object number 96.9.301.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams London, 7 July 2016, lot 49
Price: GBP 2,125 or approx. EUR 4,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An Etruscan bronze figure of a votary, c. 3rd century BC
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and manner of casting. Note the size (16.5 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams London, 23 October 2012, lot 15
Price: GBP 1,500 or approx. EUR 3,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: An Etruscan bronze figure of Herakles
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and manner of casting. Note the size (13.3 cm).