Attrib. Benedetto Boschetti Fine Bronzed Male Bust Ajax Greek Mythological Hero

A Very Impressive & Superbly Cast Patinated Bronzed Metal Bust of Ajax Turning to Dexter, of generous proportions, after the Antique, attributed to Benedetto Boschetti (1820-1860). Mid to late Nineteenth Century. Wearing a Helmet cast with Satyrs, his toga tied at his left shoulder and a sash to his right, raised on a stunning original well veined marble support in colours of off-white and various tones of reddish browns. The hand carved base modelled as a circular socle ending on a plain square base. Condition: Good original condition, nice surface patination, marble base in good condition also, base underneath replaced, nicely done. Height: (entire) 14.75” (37.5cm). Width: (at marble base) 4.5" (11.5cm). Depth: (at base) 4.5” (11.5cm). Location: Dublin City, Ireland. Affordable fixed charge Worldwide Store to door shipping in house. Footnotes: The design of the present bust originates from a larger figural group depicting Menelaus supporting the body of Patroclus (see final image). Ajax was also known as Menelaus, and the larger composition repesents a scene in Homer’s Illiad where Menelaus carries the dying soldier during the Trojan War. The initial scylptural concept of this theme dates around 230 Bc, but the present Bust was most likely modelled after a Roman copy now in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence.