NEAPOLITAN PATINATED BRONZE MODEL OF NARCISSUS

NEAPOLITAN PATINATED BRONZE MODEL OF NARCISSUS, cast after the Antique by the Michele Amodio Foundry, late 19th century, portrayed standing and nude but for sandals, an animal skin slung over his left shoulder, on a circular waisted socle with stylised foliate cast edging, 62cm high Note: The Amodio Foundry was one of a small group of bronze founders that flourished around Naples in the 19th century, following the rapid rise of interest in the taking of the Grand Tour. An integral part of the experience for the wealthy northern European travellers in Italy was to visit the emerging ruins at Pompeii, and foundry houses such as the prolific Chiurazzi & Fils, Sommer and De Angelis & Fils were established to respond to the desire for good quality and academic souvenirs, as is represented by this model of Narcissus As for the Roman original, currently held at the Museo Nazionale in Naples, it was unearthed as recently as 1862 but was very quickly acclaimed as a masterpiece. Haskell and Penny stated that 'It was the last antique statue to be discovered in Italy which enjoyed enormous fame...'. (Taste and the Antique, Yale University Press, 1981)