A fine early 19th century Italian Grand Tour bronze of famous Borghese Gladiator. This well cast example of the iconic statue of the warrior in fighting pose, with well-sculpted muscular physique and torso. The ancient Hellenistic original marble is now exhibited at the Louvre Museum, Paris, France. The statue having been discovered in 1611 at Nettuno, near Anzio, Italy and thence to Cardinal Borghese’s estate where it remained until 1807 in a room named after it at the Villa Borghese. It was then sold to Napoleon Bonaparte and taken to Paris. This example is in original condition and has a rich patination with hues of chocolate and dark brown. It is raised on a rectangular plinth base. Examples of this iconic statue grace the museums, gardens, great houses and private collections of the world, including Houghton Hall, Highgrove, Blenheim and Windsor Castle.