In a stunning twist of artistic fortune, a rare 18th-century Roman artifact created by the legendary sculptor behind the Trevi Fountain was recently uncovered in an English reclamation yard. Purchased for a mere 300 British pounds (approximately $400), the delicate 27-inch-tall marble model turned out to be a priceless historical treasure hiding in plain sight among ordinary garden ornaments.
The exquisite piece was fashioned by master Italian sculptor Pietro Bracci as a presentation model, or "maquette," for a giant bronze statue of Pope Clement XII. Commissioned by the Roman Senate in the 1730s to commemorate the pope's generous donation to the Capitoline Museums, the original full-sized monument suffered a tragic fate when it was melted down for scrap metal decades later. Fortunately, Bracci's preliminary marble masterpiece quietly survived the centuries, eventually finding its way to an English country estate.
An Accidental Discovery in Wiltshire
Over time, the historical significance of the marble figure was forgotten, and it was relegated to the outdoors, serving as a simple garden decoration. It sat unnoticed among hundreds of architectural cast-offs and weathered stone until a builder with a sharp eye for antiquities visited a salvage yard in Wiltshire. Recognizing the exceptional craftsmanship and distinct quality of the sculpture, the builder took a chance on the unassuming piece, setting the stage for a remarkable historical authentication.
- Artist Identity: Crafted by Pietro Bracci, one of the most celebrated sculptors of 18th-century Rome.
- Historical Value: Served as the crucial design model for the lost bronze monument of Pope Clement XII.
- Unlikely Journey: Traveled from the artistic heart of Italy to an English country estate, and finally to a humble salvage yard.
Authentication and Auction Success
Following its discovery, the sculpture was brought to specialists for evaluation. Featuring the artist's signature and undeniable uniqueness, the 300-year-old marble figure was put up for auction, initially estimated to fetch between $6,600 and $13,300.
Experts have hailed the find as an extraordinary event for art historians and collectors alike. Furniture specialists noted that having a rare 18th-century marble figure by Pietro Bracci come to light offers a tangible, breathtaking connection to the grandeur of the papal court and the immense artistic splendor of the Baroque period.
