AFTER MICHELANGELO OF ANTIQUITY
Grand Tour Model of Giuliano de Medici from the Medici Chapel in Florence

Patinated sand-cast bronze | numbered on the back corner "5505", otherwise unsigned | Probably cast in France, ca. late 19th century

Item # 408ZPW23Q 

A finely cast and chiseled Grand Tour model depicting Giuliano de Medici it is cast after one of the pair of sculptures executed by Michelangelo and on display at the tomb of Lorenzo de Medici at the Medici Chapel in Florence, Giuliano opposing his brother Lorenzo. The model is executed with a nearly black patina that likely is derived both chemically and through the application of stains and pigments, these having oxidized to a ruddy black that becomes almost matte in numerous areas. Coming through the rubbed patination is the undertone of the naturally patinated bronze, which gives needed warmth with its almost reddish undertones and coppery hues.

Michelangelo’s Giuliano de' Medici was executed as a marble monument between 1520 and 1534, part of the Medici Chapel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Florence. Commissioned by Pope Clement VII (Giulio de' Medici), it adorns the tomb of Giuliano, Duke of Nemours, a younger member of the powerful Medici family. The statue portrays Giuliano in a classical seated pose, dressed in Roman armor, exuding both dignity and authority. 

Michelangelo diverges from strict portraiture, instead presenting an idealized figure that embodies Giuliano’s virtues of leadership and military prowess. This is reflective of interesting in Neoplatonism, a philisophical movement that among other things emphasized the striving of the imperfect present towards the perfect eternal, the transcendence of mortality through virtue. The statue is accompanied by the allegorical figures of Day and Night on the tomb, symbolizing the passage of time. Giuliano’s serene expression contrasts with the more dynamic forms of these figures, highlighting Michelangelo’s mastery in balancing tension and ease. 

Measurements: 18 3/4" H x 8" D x 6 5/8" W

Condition Report:
A well-preserved original patina throughout. Light scuff to his proper right knee and other minor wear to the surface throughout. Tiny casting hole just above the mask on Giuliano's back. Gentle relieving of patina on raised elements from natural handling over the century. Sealed in conservator's grade wax - a fine presentation ready to place.

• Wrapping the item in several inches of heavy-duty bubble wrap with careful attention shown to pressure points, crafting the placement of the bubble wrap in a manner that allows delicate parts of the item to remain out of harm's way.
• The item is then placed into a tight-fitting carton with a void fill of either peanuts, Styrofoam, bubble wrap or a combination of the three to ensure it cannot move within the carton
• That carton is then double-boxed by placing it into an outer carton 2-3" larger on all sides with a dense void fill in the gap [note, paintings are generally not double-boxed but instead have a different packing methodology to properly protect the frame from pressure]