Silenus. Chiurazzi Foundry, Naples, 19th century. Bronze with black patina.

45 x 19 x 19 cm

The Chiurazzi foundry was founded in Naples in the 19th century (1870) in the wake of the archaeological discoveries of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Above all, the founding of the Archaeological Museum of Naples at the end of the 19th century created the need to replicate and trade the objects found in the excavations and kept in the museum, in Italy and Europe.

The foundry reproduced everything found in the excavations and fueled the thriving international market in archaeological reproductions.

We talk about everything foreign travelers on the Grand Tour longed for, wanting to take home a piece of classical Italian art from the 18th century onwards.

The Chiurazzi foundry combined industrial production with the refinement of artistic workmanship.

The catalogue printed by the foundry and distributed throughout Europe is extraordinarily useful, with prices, dimensions and coatings available to order.

This famous bronze was found in Pompeii in 1864 and therefore the dating of the bronze copies starts from this date.

Our Silenus is featured in the catalog and, although not Marcato, it undoubtedly belongs to that production. The black patina is the one required for this elegant casting.

Bronze really well chiseled and patinated compared to other lower quality castings offered on the market.

Bibliography:
Fonderie Artistiche Riunite Chiurazzi-De Angelis, 1911 catalogue, Ferruccio Lazzari printing workshop, Naples 1911, item 5001.