Marble Sculpture

Bronze Antinous - Bust After Bernini 1640

Name: Bronze Antinous - Bust After Bernini 1640
Brand: Marble Sculpture
SKU: Lay/Bronze/Antinous/Worn Guilt Wreath
Price: 380.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

£ 380.00 GBP

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The Last God of Rome

This romantic Italian sculpture captures the legendary beauty of Antinous, the beloved of Emperor Hadrian, whose tragic death at age 20 in 127 AD led to his deification as the last god of the Roman Pantheon. After the antique marble by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1640), this bust immortalizes one of history's most compelling and mysterious figures.

A Love That Changed History

Antinous captured the hearts and minds of everyone, especially the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Their intense affair came to a premature and mysterious end when Antinous drowned in the Nile. History records that Hadrian explained the tragedy in one short, haunting sentence: "He fell into the Nile." For 1,800 years, scholars have debated whether his death was murder, suicide, accident, or voluntary religious sacrifice.

From Beloved to God

In his overwhelming grief, Emperor Hadrian made Antinous the last god of the Roman Pantheon. He ensured that Antinous's gorgeous and idolized face would come down through the ages by minting coins bearing his image and commissioning countless sculptures in his honour. Temples were built for his worship as "Antinous, God of Wine"—protector, healer, and symbol of eternal youth and beauty.

Adorned with the Bacchus Wreath

This bust depicts Antinous adorned with a Bacchus wreath of vine leaves around his head, symbolizing his role as god of wine, entertainment, and all things good. The layered bronze finish and worn gilt wreath create a sense of age and authenticity, while the leaded socle provides an elegant foundation for this romantic sculpture.

Bernini's Baroque Interpretation

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the master of Baroque sculpture, created his interpretation of Antinous in 1640, capturing both the youth's legendary beauty and the tragic romance of his story. This reproduction honours Bernini's vision while showcasing the timeless appeal of Antinous as healer, protector, victim, lover, and god.

Now in the Royal Collection

A fantastic interior design sculpture for the discerning eye, this piece represents a work now held in the Royal Collection, testament to its enduring artistic and historical significance.