Description
19th Century Siena Marble Base
From our Bronze Sculpture collection, we are pleased to offer this exceptional Grand Tour Bronze of Mithras Slaying the Bull. Cast in dark patinated bronze and set upon a richly veined Siena marble base, the sculpture depicts the dramatic scene of the Tauroctony, the central image of the Mithraic Mysteries, a Roman cult that flourished between the 1st and 4th centuries AD.
This 19th-century bronze, modelled after ancient Roman originals, beautifully captures Mithras subduing the sacred bull, a moment charged with religious symbolism and astrological meaning. Such works were highly sought after by young aristocrats and scholars on the Grand Tour, a rite of passage that encouraged the study and collecting of classical antiquities.
Dating to circa 1850, the piece reflects both neoclassical taste and the intellectual curiosity of the 19th century, making it a significant addition for collectors of bronzes, Grand Tour works, and classical iconography.
Mithras
Mithras was a mysterious deity venerated across the Roman Empire between the 1st and 4th centuries CE, particularly among soldiers and the elite. Adapted from Persian traditions, Mithras became the central figure of the Mithraic Mysteries, an esoteric Roman cult centred on symbolic ritual and cosmic belief.
The most recognised image of Mithras is the Tauroctony, the dramatic scene of him slaying a sacred bull. Far more than myth, this act represented themes of life, death, and renewal, with followers believing it maintained universal balance and promised spiritual salvation.
Depicted wearing a Phrygian cap and flowing cloak, Mithras was a symbol of courage and divine order. His worship took place in underground sanctuaries called mithraea, secret temples reserved for initiates. Although the cult declined with the spread of Christianity, Mithras endures through ancient art, archaeological finds, and ongoing scholarly interest, remaining one of the most captivating figures of Roman religion.
For further information see our article on Mithras Slaying the Bull – The Mystery of the Tauroctony.
Grand Tour
The Grand Tour was an extended journey across Europe, undertaken from the 17th through the late 18th century, primarily by young men of wealth and status. Intended as a cultural and educational rite of passage, it usually began in Dover and led travellers through France and Italy in search of art, history, and classical inspiration. On occasion, women over 21 also participated, provided they were accompanied by a family chaperone.
Tourists on the Grand Tour carried ample funds, allowing them to collect fine art, antiquities, and decorative souvenirs. Marble busts, bronzes, and classical reproductions, like this example, were highly sought after, serving as both educational keepsakes and reminders of their travels through the centres of European culture.
For further information please see our article The Grand Tour – A Journey of Culture, Art and Collecting.
BRONZE
Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike. In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the timeless appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.
For further information please see our article on bronze Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.
MEASUREMENTS
15.5cm High x 22cm Wide x 11cm Deep (6.1 x 8.66 x 4.33 Inches)
CONDITION
Excellent antique condition
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