All Garden Products from Classic Garden Elements
Sleeping Ariadne
£57,400.00
incl. VAT plus Shipping Costs
Delivery time: 6 months. Free delivery in England, Scotland & Wales (except islands)
USA deliveryclick here
Sleeping Ariadne – buy replica as marble or bronze statue
This work is the marble sculpture of the sleeping Ariadne. A Roman-Hadrian work based on a Hellenistic bronze sculpture of the Pergamenian school from the 2nd century BC. This Roman marble version is considered one of the most famous sculptures of antiquity. The reclining figure in a chiton tied under her breasts is half reclining, squatting, her outstretched legs crossed at the calves, her head resting on her left arm and her right arm thrown over her head. She was originally identified as Cleopatra because of the snake bracelet on her left upper arm.
There are other Roman copies of this model: one, the “Wilton House Ariadne”, is essentially unrestored, while another, the “Medici Ariadne” found in Rome, was probably heavily reworked in modern times. Two surviving statuettes bear witness to a Roman trade in reductions of this well- known figure. Another version of the sleeping Ariadne can be found in the Prado Museum in Madrid. A later Roman version was found in the gardens of the Villa Borghese in Rome and can be found now in Paris.
The Sleeping Ariadne depicted here was acquired by Pope Julius II in 1512 and immediately placed in the Belvedere courtyard, which connects the Vatican Palace with the papal casina, the Belvedere, where her neighbours were the recently discovered Laocoon and the Belvedere Apollo.
The replica offered in our online shop is a version of the Vatican original that was slightly adapted by Primatticcio in the 16th century. It was used as the basis for a bronze cast in France for Francis I at the Château de Fontainebleau. The pose was slightly altered and the limbs of the sleeping nymph were lengthened slightly. The plaster cast that serves as the model for our replica on offer here was made from this bronze.
Description
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 bronze statue in Fontainebleau, which in turn is based on the Vatican marble original.
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.
In keeping with the ancient traditions of Delphi and Rome, the statue made for you and with your name as the donor will forever be a reminder of your personality and achievements.
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
| Item No. | S35 |
|---|---|
| Material | Bronze cast |
| dimension (height x width x depth) | 111 cm x 240 cm x 96,5 cm |
| What you receive | Single piece, Bronze cast. The exact design details, measurements and weight as well as the structure and colour of the Bronze cast may vary. |
| Delivery | Delivered using our own van |
| Delivery Charge | Free delivery in England and Wales (except islands) and to a few EU countries. Click here for details. |
| Price incl. VAT | £57,400.00 |
