A Venetian bronze model of the Apollo Sauroctonos, probably late 16th century

modelled standing nude beside a tree trunk with a lizard climbing, mounted on a squared base with ebonised pedestal
the bronze 15.5cm high

The prototype for this bronze is the 1^st-2^nd Century Roman Apollo Sauroctonos, now in the Louvre, which in turn is based on a renowned lost original by the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles. The lizard may represent a form of impurity which Apollo is about to remove, although it has also been suggested that Apollo, in his role as Sun God, is rousing the animal from its winter hibernation.

Condition Report

A patch to his shoulder blade, some surface wear and light scratching. Screwed through base to affix to more modern plinth base.