"The Two Wrestlers" by Achilles Collas

An exceptional late 19th-century Art Nouveau bronze group depicting two male wrestlers locked in an intense contest. Finely cast with remarkable anatomical detail, the sculpture beautifully captures the power, movement, and tension of the figures. The rich, deep brown patination enhances the superb modelling and highlights the pronounced musculature throughout. A striking and dynamic composition, stamped to the base with seal for Collas Mechanique. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Height: 18 cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition Circa: 1910 Materials: Bronze SKU: 9621 ABOUT The bronze reduction of The Two Wrestlers is derived from the celebrated antique marble group in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. The original sculpture, known as I Lottatori (The Wrestlers), is a Roman marble copy of a lost Hellenistic Greek bronze dating from the 3rd century BC and depicts two athletes locked in a dramatic wrestling contest. Renowned for its dynamic composition and exceptional anatomical modelling, the sculpture has been admired by artists and collectors since its rediscovery in Rome during the sixteenth century. During the nineteenth century, the celebrated partnership of Ferdinand Barbedienne and Achille Collas produced finely crafted bronze reductions of many of Europe's most famous sculptures. Using the revolutionary Collas mécanique process, invented by Achille Collas, large marble masterpieces could be accurately reduced in scale while preserving the finest details of the original work. These reductions brought important classical sculptures within reach of private collectors and helped popularise antique art among the growing bourgeoisie of the period. Bronze reductions of The Two Wrestlers remain highly regarded today for their historical significance, technical excellence, and faithful representation of one of antiquity's most admired sculptural groups. The Grand Tour, popular from the 17th to the 19th centuries, was a cultural journey across Europe undertaken by young aristocrats. Souvenirs from these travels, known as Grand Tour souvenirs, became prized mementos. Common items included Italian marble sculptures, classical antiquities, and micro-mosaic jewelry. Paintings, maps, and engraved prints depicting famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Parthenon were also popular. These souvenirs served as tangible proof of the travelers' education and refined taste, and they played a role in spreading classical art and culture across Europe. Today, Grand Tour souvenirs are valuable collectibles, reflecting a rich history of cultural exploration.