Creugas And Damoxenus, Bronzes After Antonio Canova

The pugilists Creugas and Damoxenus, pair of bronze statuettes from the mid-19th century based on the marbles by Antonio Canova kept in the Vatican in Italy (see photos). 
Beautiful bronzes with a beautiful black patina and fine details.
Antonio Canova (1757-1822) is, along with Thorvaldsen in Denmark, the great neoclassical sculptor of the early 19th century.
"Creugas (left) and Damoxenus were two Greek wrestlers whose confrontation was described by Pausanias (2nd century AD). Creugas lost his life but Damoxenus was banished for not having respected the rules of combat. Antonio Canova (1757-1822), emblematic sculptor of neo-classicism, is inspired here by this story of duel which exalts virtue and condemns dishonesty. These powerful statues embody the whole spirit of the artistic ideal. crossed Europe during the decades 1760-1830, proclaiming the strength of ancient inspiration in Western art while expressing confidence in a conquering future".