AFTER BERTEL THORVALDSEN (DANISH, 1770-1844), A CARVED WOOD FIGURE OF HEBE, MID 19TH CENTURY

AFTER BERTEL THORVALDSEN (DANISH, 1770-1844), A CARVED WOOD FIGURE OF HEBE
MID 19TH CENTURY
The Grecian figure emblematic of youth in carved wood with ebonised finish in emulation of bronze, faint traces of greener 'verdigris' effect visible to folds, turned ebonised plinth base
55cm high overall, the base 17cm diameter

Thorvaldsen's figure of the cup bearer to the Gods was executed in Rome in 1816- a more demure clothed version of his first example from 1806. Subsequently copied in marble, porcelain and bronze but seemingly rarely in wood. The exact genus of the wood used has prompted suggestions of Gutta-Percha and limewood but a precise and definite conclusion has yet to be reached.

Condition Report:
hairline crack running from top of head and through right shoulder and into arm. hairline also visible to her left arm, old filler visible to what may have been joint sections- upper left arm and left wrist. Also plugged hole to reverse and front at bottom of dress. Some paint loss and wear notably to lower sections notably along left shin and foot. Signs of old retouching visible under strong light notably to front of ewer, and neckline Condition Report Disclaimer