Venus Bathing. Giambologna (Douai 1529 - Florence 1608). From a model. Patinated bronze, possibly 17th century.

23 x 8 x 7 cm

The invention of this bronze derives from one of the early works of the great Flemish artist Giambologna, sculptor at the court of the Grand Duke of Tuscany Francesco I de Medici (Florence 1541-1587). The original bronze, signed by the master, is kept at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and is similar in size to ours.

This delightful invention enjoyed great success over the centuries and there remain extraordinary versions created by Antonio Susini and smaller versions that have populated the studios of countless collectors.

Our version features the variant of the cloth draping from Venus's breast towards her knee, which is absent in the Vienna version.

Full casting, little cold-worked and very material, roughened, could suggest an ancient test before the final casting, but everything remains to be proven.

The material aspect of the object certainly makes us think it is ancient, between the 17th and 18th centuries.