Preliminary identification

Italian Bonded Marble Figurine of 'Hercules and Lichas' after Antonio Canova

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a finely detailed, small-scale reproduction of Antonio Canova’s neoclassical masterpiece, 'Hercules and Lichas.'

Story

Antonio Canova spent nearly twenty years perfecting the original colossal marble version of this scene, which now stands as a centerpiece in Rome's National Gallery of Modern Art.

Maker / Origin

While this specific piece lacks a workshop stamp, it is highly consistent with the output of renowned Italian studios like A. Santini or the Frilli Gallery.

Condition & Value

The figurine appears to be in excellent vintage condition with a pleasing creamy patina. Most importantly, the thin limbs of Lichas and the fingers of Hercules—which are incredibly prone to snapping—appear fully intact. Excellent preservation like this maintains the item's decorative value.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD