19th Century Large Brucciani Architectural Study Cast of a Corinthian Capital

D. Brucciani & Co., London. Late 19th Century

A large architectural study cast representing a richly carved Corinthian capital, produced by the celebrated London workshop of D. Brucciani & Co..

The cast is stamped “D. Brucciani & Co London” and bears the catalogue number 1640, corresponding to the firm’s architectural series of classical ornament models produced for art academies and architectural schools during the late nineteenth century.

The design features boldly modelled acanthus foliage rising in two tiers beneath a projecting abacus, with voluted tendrils emerging from the upper leaves, a form derived from Roman interpretations of the Corinthian order. The deep carving and sculptural modelling capture the vitality and rhythm of classical architectural ornament.

Brucciani casts were widely supplied to museums, academies, and architectural studios across Britain and Europe, where they were used for the study of classical form, proportion, and ornament. Comparable casts were held in the collections of institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Academy of Arts.

The present example retains its original workshop stamp and catalogue number, and has developed a warm, stone-like patina through age and handling, giving the piece the appearance of an architectural fragment.