Bronze Figural Statuette Of A Youthful Deity Appraisal

Bronze Figural Statuette of a Youthful Deity (possibly Bacchus or Hermaphroditus)

This is a bronze figural statuette depicting a youthful, nude male figure, possibly a deity such as Bacchus (Dionysus) or Hermaphroditus, standing atop a circular bronze base. The figure is cast in a classicizing pose, with the weight shifted to one leg, creating a subtle contrapposto. The right arm is raised and bent at the elbow, with the index finger extended as if pointing or gesturing. The left arm is bent, and the hand appears to be holding an object, possibly a bunch of grapes or a small pouch, or perhaps the end of a sash that crosses the body, though details are somewhat indistinct due to distance and patination. A sash or strap is visible draped over the left shoulder and across the torso. The figure has a head of curly hair. The material appears to be solid bronze, exhibiting a rich, dark brown patina with noticeable areas of lighter, reddish-brown hues rubbing through on prominent edges and raised surfaces, indicating age and handling. The circular base features a decorative band with a relief pattern, possibly a repeating Greek key or floral motif, along its edge. The overall condition suggests minor wear consistent with age, such as slight rubbing on the high points of the patina, but no obvious signs of significant damage, repairs, or breaks are discernible from the image. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with fine details discernible in the musculature and facial features (though the face is mostly in shadow). While precise manufacturing details are not visible, the style of the figure suggests it could be a 19th or early 20th-century interpretation or replica of an antique classical sculpture.