Nathan the Wise: A bronze bust, after the model by Mark Antokolsky (1843 - 1902), cast by the Gruet Foundry, Paris

brown patina, inscribed in Russian 'M. Antokoslkyi', with impressed foundry mark, on a red marble pedestal

Mark Antokolsky was one of the most prominent sculptors of 19th century Russia, his work admired by the Imperial family and represented in the largest museums in Russia and abroad. Faithful to his religious origins, Antokolsky did not shy from representing Jewish figures in his work despite the then-prevalent preference for Slavic and Orthodox themes in art. Nathan the Wise was first created as part of the bigger composition 'The Inquisition Attacking The Jews Secretly Celebrating Passover', considered by many to be one of the artist’s most dynamic and original works. Modelled as a separate study bust, Nathan the Wise was inspired by the character from the famous 1783 play of the same name, in which the virtuous Jewish merchant is depicted as a symbol of religious tolerance and coexistence.