Pio WELONSKI (1849-1931) - Apollon combattant le Serpent Python

Also known as Pius Velonski Large decorative sculpture in antique-style bronze Sand-cast around 1880–1900, likely by the Nelli Foundry (Rome) Nuanced brown patina Sold with a (modern) wooden base 42 cm high. Dimensions without the base Height: 167 cm Width: 59 cm – Depth: 70 cm Weight: 160 kg (approx.) Bibliography: This sculpture was part of a group of 19 sculptures that adorned the Fountain of Apollo in the Rose Garden within the grounds of Château de Chavat in Podensac (33) Historical description of the Fountain of Apollo As early as 1916, the Parisian landscape architect Charles Bouhana created awatercolor and ornamented plan of the garden; that same year, the Bordeaux architect Henri Marmisse produced a tracing of the plan. The sculptures decorating the garden came from Italy. Most of the marble works are signed by Ernesto Gazzeri; a few bronze pieces bear the mark of the Roman Nelli foundry and are signed by Pio Welonski. In the rose garden stood the ornate Fountain of Apollo, featuring 19 bronze sculptures (Apollo fighting the serpent Python, Sirens and sea horses, the Dionysian Procession) and 4 mascarons Today, the fountain is missing several of its bronze sculptures—stolen or removed between 1983 and 2008—which were inspired by ancient works.