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Spelter busts - Early 1900s - $550 (burlingame)
Churchill Dr
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Early 20th century
Want to know more about the difference between "spelter" & "bronze"?
I found some interesting info here:
https://www.westlandlondon.com/articles/view,spelter-or-bronze-how-to-spot-the-differences_88.asp
Truly an uncommon find. Especially the male bust (for some reason)
Offered as a set, as I couldn't bring myself to split them up
These are later copies of artist Johannes Boese's bronze busts from the 1880s
Thanks to a fellow "treasure hunter", I heard that these busts represent Afonso I, who was the King of Portugal from 26 July 1139 – 6 December 1185. And his mother Theresa, the Countess of Portugal from 1096 – 24 June 1128 & widely considered the first monarch of Portugal, reigning from 1116 – 24 June 1128. Theresa was just one more example, dispelling the idea that women were meek, subservient people in the Middle Ages. Interestingly Eleanor of Aquitaine was born about 6 years before Theresa died, as she is another shining example of this from the same time period. Both truly interesting women, with interesting stories worth looking up.
Thank you to Deborah, for letting me know, and giving me another history rabbit hole to go down. Love it!
Now that I know more about Afonso & Theresa's history, I might have to rethink my aversion to splitting up this pair. Considering that Afonso overthrew his mother and had her exiled. Hmmm
Full disclosure - I haven't found any corroborating evidence of this (yet). I have seen them simply described as:
*Moorish man and woman
*Middle Eastern man and woman
*Arab woman and Arab man
*Orientalist woman
*Oriental couple
Researching unique and rare items can be difficult, but then again, the research is part of the fun of "treasure hunting" after all.
Looking for the "real" thing (bronze)? I found a few options. Though much more expensive.
I have no affiliation with these companies. Purely to provide more info & options:
https://www.pamono.co.uk/antique-bronze-busts-portraying-classical-characters-set-of-2
OR
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decorative-objects/sculptures/busts/antique-portrait-bust-french-decor-female-bronze-statue-victorian-c1900/id-f_38251142/
Pick up in Hillsborough