All Garden Products from Classic Garden Elements

Amazon Mattei

£52,900.00

Delivery time: 6 months. Free delivery in England, Scotland & Wales (except islands)
USA deliveryclick here

Clear

Origin and place of discovery

The Mattei-Amazonn statue is the best-preserved marble copy of a lost bronze original by Phidias, which was created around 430 BC. The Roman marble statue, made at the time of Emperor Augustus, is 211 centimetres high and was discovered in 1770. The Mattei-Amazon is named after the family that once owned it. It is now on display in the Pio Clementino Museum of the Vatican Museums. Another example of this type can be found in the Capitoline Museum.

Who is Amazon Mattei?

The Amazonn were warrior women who lived in Anatolia around 2,000 BC. They are said to be the daughters of Ares, the god of war, and Harmonia. The Amazonn are deeply rooted in Greek history and myth. Homer’s Iliad from the 8th century BC already describes events that took place before the Trojan War and in which Amazonn made an appearance. The Greek hero Bellerophon fought against the Amazons during his stay in Lycia. Priam, the king of Troy, fought in his youth on the side of the Phrygians when they were attacked by Amazonn.

Description

Historical significance, details

A number of Roman marble copies of the Greek bronze originals from the Amazonn have been found. These can be categorised stylistically into five types: Lansdowne type, Capitoline type, Mattei type, Villa Doria Pamphilj type and Ephesus type. Pliny the Elder records five bronze statues of Amazonn in the Artemision of Ephesus. He explains the existence of such a quantity of sculptures on the same theme in the same place by citing a competition from the 5th century BC between the artists Polyclitus, Phidias, Kresilas, “Kydon” and Phradmon. The winner of the competition was the version by Polykleitos. Phidias came second with the statue known today as Amazon Mattei.

 

Antique statue, cast bronze in museum quality

The sculpture is produced as a bronze casting using the traditional lost wax technique. The negative mould required for this is based on a plaster cast of the original in the Pio Clementino Museum in the Vatican Museums.

 

Cast marble & marble sculpture from the sculptor

In addition to classic bronze casting, we also offer two other moulds for the statues shown here. Marble casting from powdered genuine white marble. And the new moulding of the statue by sculptors from a single block of white marble. If you are interested in such a mould, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to receiving your e-mail or phone call.

 

Authentic Reproductions of Ancient Bronze Statuary: Classical Weathered Patina and New Insights into the Original Antique Patina

We are pleased to offer two exceptional patination options for bronze statues, each rooted in historical authenticity. The first is the classical patina, which beautifully captures the natural weathering of bronze over centuries. This finish has been the preferred choice among connoisseurs ever since the rediscovery of monumental bronzes from antiquity.

 

However, recent scientific research—most notably a 2022 study of a major ancient bronze, the renowned Charioteer of Delphi—has provided compelling evidence that such works were originally polished in antiquity. These statues likely exhibited a warm, golden lustre, the result of bronze alloys with approximately 10% tin content and meticulous surface treatment.

In light of these findings, we now offer the option of a meticulously reconstructed, polished surface that closely approximates the statues’ supposed original appearance. This allows you to choose between the time-honoured aged patina or a radiant finish evocative of how these masterpieces may once have appeared to visitors at sanctuaries such as Delphi, Olympia, or Delos. Click here for further detailed information regarding this patination process.

 

Individualisation of the statue

Each statue cast by us is engraved in the base with a serial number, date of manufacture and our company logo. The base is also engraved with your name, a lettering, the occasion of production, your own company logo or additional engraving as required.

Your very personal legacy

Our life-size cast bronze replicas are therefore not only artistic replicas, but also timeless reminders that will preserve your legacy for generations to come. By engraving your name, the date and the occasion on the base, this statue becomes an everlasting symbol of your most personal life achievement, your significance in this world and your work there.

 

Memory cast in bronze in the radiant light of antiquity

Ancient Greek bronze statues and their masterfully crafted Roman marble replicas were the sensual and visual mirror of these two advanced civilisations for over a millennium. After their rediscovery during the Renaissance, these statues once again became world-famous and symbolised the emergence of modernity. The statue made for you and with your name as the donor will forever be a reminder of your personality and achievements in the ancient traditions of Delphi and Rome.

 

Locations for the installation of ancient statues & list of parks with ancient sculptures

In exceptionally designed gardens and parks, alongside high horticultural artistry and exceptionally beautiful design, the use of top-notch furnishings often shines. Whether it’s furniture or statues and sculptures. Now original antique statues are not or very rarely available for sale. Since their rediscovery in the Renaissance, costly replicas have such been made for castles, their parks, and concurrently for the mansions of the bourgeoisie who have attained great wealth. During this time, a canon for the placement and positioning of these artworks formed and developed into modern times. In our online shop, you’ll find an overview of particularly beautiful locations for ancient statues. Additionally, we provide you with an overview of some publicly accessible gardens and parks, each boasting an impressive collection of ancient sculptures, along with specific details on where each statue can be seen.

Product details

Amazon Mattei
Item No.S09
MaterialBronze cast
dimension (height x width x depth)211 cm x 76 cm x 87,5 cm
What you receiveSingle piece, Bronze cast. The exact design details, measurements and weight as well as the structure and colour of the Bronze cast may vary.
DeliveryDelivered using our own van
Delivery ChargeFree delivery in England and Wales (except islands) and to a few EU countries. Click here for details.
Price incl. VAT£52,900.00