Grand Tour memento serpentine marble sculpture or statue of Jenning's Dog,Duncombe's dog, Molossian Dog or Hound of Albiciades antique 19th C ca 1880

A beautiful quality carved Victorian Grand Tour green serpentine marble sculpture or statue of a seated Molossian dog based upon a  Roman copy of the Hellenistic bronze original. This model is also known as "The Hound of Alcibiades", by legend the Greek strategist, general and statesman who owned such a fierce dog and docked its tail to invoke pity from the Athenians and distract them from his worst deeds. A pair of similar marble mastiffs of the same model can be seen in the Belvedere Court of the Vatican Museums. 

This sculpture on offer here is a reduced size copy of the the Roman version now in the British Museum that was originally acquired by Henry Constantine Jennings in circa 1755 in Rome from Bartolomeo Cavaceppi for 400 scudi, hence the name "Jenning's Dog". Jennings had to sell it at Phillips in 1778 for £1000 in order to settle his gambling debts. It was acquired by Rt Hon. Charles Duncombe, 1st Baron Feversham in 1789. The sculpture was latterly known as "Duncombe's Dog". It was in the entrance hall of Duncombe Park Yorkshire until 2001 when it was acquired by the British Museum for £770,000.

This reduced size version was made in Italy, probably in Florence, in the late 19th century, circa 1880, during the reign of Queen Victoria most likely as a Grand Tour souvenir or memento. This is a well-carved green serpentine marble figurine of a seated Molossian dog on a canted corner integral base. The level of detail on this sculpture is very impressive, faithful to the original, the notable elements are the face, paws, ruff, muzzle and head.

The stone -  verde Prato serpentine has been quarried for centuries near to Prato, northwest of Florence in Italy. The Serpentine stone is so named due to the resemblance to the skin of a serpent.

In very good original condition with some minor damage to the ears, one has been broken and restuck, very minor markings and scratching commensurate with age and use. Displays very well

This is a great item for display and is highly decorative, attractive and is a reasonably unusual example of antique decorative sculpture or Victorian Grand Tour statuary.

Length 4 inches ( 10 cm)
Depth 2 1/4 inches ( 5.7 cm)
Height 4 1/4 inches ( 10.8 cm)
Weight  387 grammes unpacked

Free UK and international postage with this item when purchased at the listed price.

References

British Museum Registration number 2001,1010.1

wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennings_Dog