2 Copper Firebacks After Leonhard Posch, Day & Night

About Auction

Live

Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (231)

• Lot Description
  After Leonhard Posch (Austrian, 1750-1831) based on a sculpture by Bertel Thorvaldsen (Danish, 1770-1844). "Day" and "Night" copper relief firebacks, original 1815. A poetic pairing cast in copper, "Day" and "Night," firebacks that whisper tales of light and shadow. Born from the Neoclassical vision of Bertel Thorvaldsen, though softened with a Canova-esque grace, these reliefs, modeled in 1815 and reimagined by Leonhard Posch, once adorned the symmetrical hearths of 19th-century European homes. "Day" bursts forth, a winged maiden scattering floral blessings while the radiant Genius of Light, torch ablaze, accompanies her flight. In contrast, "Night" descends, a poppy-crowned figure cradling slumbering children, Sleep and Death, as an owl silently keeps watch. These popular designs, echoing in the later works of sculptors like John Gibson, embody the era's fascination with allegorical beauty, transforming the mundane function of a fireback into a canvas for evocative storytelling and classical ideals. Size (both the same): 21.5" W x 20.5" H (54.6 cm x 52.1 cm)
  
  Bertel Thorvaldsen, a titan of the Neoclassical era, sculpted a world in marble with a touch that echoed the grandeur of ancient Greece. Born in Copenhagen, his genius blossomed in Rome, where he spent the majority of his prolific career, becoming a celebrated figure alongside Canova. Though known for his severe Grecian style, a closer look reveals moments of gentle lyricism, particularly in his popular reliefs of "Day" and "Night." His workshop became a hub for aspiring sculptors, and his influence rippled across Europe, shaping the aesthetic sensibilities of the 19th century. From colossal public monuments to intimate mythological scenes, Thorvaldsen's hand breathed life into stone, leaving an enduring legacy of classical ideals infused with his own distinctive spirit.
  
  Leonhard Posch, an Austrian artist, skillfully translated the celebrated Neoclassical designs of others into tangible form, often working in bronze and copper. While perhaps not as widely recognized for original creations as for his interpretations, his craftsmanship allowed enduring works, like the "Day" and "Night" firebacks after Thorvaldsen, to find new audiences and applications. Posch's work highlights the important role of the reproducer in disseminating artistic ideas and making them accessible for decorative and functional purposes within domestic settings. His dedication to faithfully rendering the vision of prominent sculptors ensured the continued appreciation and influence of Neoclassical aesthetics throughout the 19th century.
  
  Provenance: Los Angeles, California, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
  
  SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
  
  PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
  
  #193585

  Condition

  Suspension wire on verso of "Night" for display; suspension wire on day has been detached on one side. Some minor scuffs, small indentations, and light abrasions, but imagery is still clear. Otherwise both are in very good condition with patina in areas.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 28.50 %