Description Italian bronze figure group by Antonio Giovanni Lanzirotti (fl. mid to late 19th century), cast circa 1870 in dark brown patinated bronze. The composition depicts a seated young girl interacting playfully with a small dog, thought to be a representation of Madame de Pompadour’s spaniel, Mimi. She gestures toward the animal as it rears up on its hind legs, captured in motion on a naturalistic base with detailed ground foliage and flowers. The group is raised on an integral octagonal bronze plinth and is signed to the cast A.G. Lanzirotti. This finely modelled bronze reflects the romantic sentiment and anatomical accuracy typical of Italian sculpture in the later 19th century, blending classical form with an emerging focus on narrative intimacy. Lanzirotti, known for both portraiture and figural compositions, worked across Rome and Milan and was associated with major exhibitions of the period. Measurements 50cm High x 40.5cm Wide x 38cm Deep ( 19.7 x 15.75 x 15 Inches) Condition Very Good antique condition with a nice patination Who was ANTONIO GIOVANNI LANZIROTTI (1839-1921)? Lanzirotti was born in Palermo on the island of Sicily, Italy. After completing his studies he travelled to Paris, France to work under Joseph Michel Ange Pollet (1814-1870) an established Italian sculptor. His first ever works was named The Education of Bacchus and Lanzirotti exhibited it at the 1855 World Exposition at Paris. Several years later in 1863 he travelled to Turin, Northwest Italy where King Vittorio Emanuele II commissioned statues of the Conte Verde and Duke Vittorio Amedeo I. He sends to Paris, a statue La Pensieroso, now found in London and La Schiava which sold to the museum of Nice. For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Antonio Lanzirotti. Who was Madame de Pompadour? (1721-1764) Madame de Pompadour previously known as Jeanne Antoinette Poisson / Marie Antoinette was a mistress, friend and advisor to Louis XV, remaining with him until her death in 1764. She had two well known dogs named Bébé and Mimi. WHAT IS BRONZE? Bronze is an alloy primarily composed of copper with around 12% tin, often combined with other elements such as aluminium, zinc, or phosphorus to enhance strength and durability. Its unique composition allows it to capture fine surface detail, making it one of the most widely used materials in sculpture and design for millennia. First developed as early as 4650 BCE, with early examples found in Iran and Serbia, bronze was prized across ancient civilisations for both functional and decorative use. In the 19th century, cold-painted bronze became popular in Vienna, where artists like Franz Xaver Bergmann added rich colour layers without firing. The patina, texture, and craftsmanship of antique bronze ensure its ongoing appeal to collectors today. For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques. WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE? At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide. Every piece we offer is individually sourced, carefully researched, and fully authenticated, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. We provide insured worldwide shipping and secure checkout via Stripe, a global payments provider trusted by companies including Amazon and Booking.com. With every order, you will receive our latest printed product guide, a certificate of authenticity, and full tracking details so you can follow your item from dispatch to delivery. For complete peace of mind, we also offer a no-hassle money-back guarantee. We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production. Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to enjoy ten percent off your first online purchase.
