After Antonio Canova (Italy, 1757-1822), Late 19th Century
Modelled with clenched fists, 72cm high
Estimate: | £1,000 - £1,500 |
Hammer price: | £2,400 |
Canova created three marble sculptors of boxers or pugilists for Pope Pius XVII who wished to fill a void in the Vatican’s art collection, following an agreement with Napoleon at the Treaty of Tolentino in 1797. Creugas, an ancient Greek pugilst alongside Damoxenos of Syracuse together with Perseus replaced the Apollo Belvedere (which was sent briefly to Napoleon’s collection at the Louvre).