Borghese Gladiator

A very fine late 19th century full size bronze figure of the Borghese Gladiator.

Depicted standing nude and lunging forward by a punch-decorated tree trunk with cast inscription “Musee du Louvre” to the rectangular base.

The famous original life size Hellenistic marble sculpture is in the Louvre, Paris. The marble had been rediscovered at Nero’s seaside palace at Anzio, south of Rome in 1611. It then entered the Borghese collection, and in 1807 it passed into Napoleon’s hands and was moved to the Louvre, Paris.

The sculpture depicts a Roman warrior in the midst of a battle, with his arm out in defensive posture as the readies himself for attack. It is an apt metaphor for collegiate athletics.

Circa 1880

Ebonised plinth 38 (965mm) high.