In the spirit of PRAXITELE (3rd century BC) - Lot 94

In the spirit of PRAXITELE (3rd century BC) The Pouring Ephebe (Bacchus) Very fine and rare proof in bronze with dark brown patina by the "Leblanc-Barbedienne" Foundry, 1932, with no markings or stamp. 78 x 39.5 x 22 cm Weight : 12.55 Kg Later black granite marble base (24.5 cm x 26.5 cm x 9.5 cm) History: The bronze original discovered in the Roman city of VOLUBILIS, Morocco, during excavations in 1915, is thought by archaeologists to date from the 1st/2nd century AD. It was found in one of the city's mansions, in fine condition, fortunately protected by the stones of the collapsed walls. This is the "Pouring Ephebe", who must have been holding a rhyton in his right hand and a cup in his left, hence the name Bacchus. The original is on display at the Rabat Museum in Morocco and measures almost 80 cm. Around 1930, the Moroccan Antiquities Department asked the "Leblanc-Barbedienne" foundry to produce ten copies of this work, using the lost-wax process and casting them directly on the original model. The sculpture presented today is the tenth copy. Other proofs were probably cast by the foundry, but not from the original excavation piece, and of necessarily inferior quality. The number is unknown. The original invoice from the "Leblanc-Barbedienne" foundry, dated June 8, 1932, is highly explanatory and will be given to the buyer. Expert : Jean-Christian DAVEAU