an Art Deco period solid bronze statue by the listed German sculptor Wilhelm Kumm (1861 - ?). This is for a German bronze figure of Gaius Mucius Scaevola. Was a noble youth, famous for his bravery. When the Etruscan king Lars Porsenna held Rome under siege, Gaius Mucius famously sneaked into the Etruscan camp and attempted to kill Porsenna, his plot failed. Mucius was captured. He famously declared to Porsenna: "I am Gaius Mucius, a citizen of Rome. I came here as an enemy to kill my enemy, and I am as ready to die as I am to kill. We Romans act bravely and, when adversity strikes, we suffer bravely." He also declared that he was one of three hundred other Romans willing to give their own life to kill Porsenna. Porsenna, fearful and angry, ordered Mucius to be cast into the flames. Mucius stoically accepted this punishment, preempting Porsenna by thrusting his hand into that same fire and giving no sign of pain. Impressed by the youth's courage, Porsenna freed Mucius. Because of his maimed right hand, Mucius was forever after known as Scaevola ("lefty" or "left-handed"). (Ab Urbe Condita, II.13) This bronze measures 20.5 inchs high overall. It has a beautiful original patina or color. It shows the handsome youth standing next to a brazier. The bronze is signed on the base "W KUMM ". This is for the artist William Kumm, born in Germany in 1861. He is famous for his bronzes of Classical historic and mythological men. The bronze is also stamped with the foundry "ATK-GES VOM H. GLADENBECK u Shon". The condition of the bronze is excellent throughout. The patination is beautiful and all original. The casting is the best as you can see in the photos. A very nice circa 1900 bronze. Footnote: The Gladenbeck foundry was founded by Carl Gustav Hermann Gladenbeck in 1851 and was run by various family members and shareholders until the early years of the 20th century. In 1857 the company relocated to Berlin, and in 1888 became Aktien-Gesellschaft H. Gladenbeck und Sohn; directed by Hermann Gladenbeck and sons Oskar and Alfred. Related Literature: Harold Berman; Encyclopedia of Bronzes, Sculptors & Founders, vol 4, 1800-1930, Abage Chicago, 1980.

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Antique Statues