Spinario (Boy with Thorn)

This finely cast bronze depicts the Spinario, also known as the “Boy with Thorn,” a subject rooted in classical antiquity. The figure shows a seated youth intent on extracting a thorn from the sole of his foot, a motif celebrated since ancient Roman times for its naturalism and quiet introspection. Bronzes of the Spinario were much in demand in the 18th and 19th centuries as souvenirs of the Grand Tour, prized by travelers as portable evocations of classical culture. This example, dating from the late 19th century, reflects that tradition, uniting historical reference with fine craftsmanship. The sculpture is later mounted on a circular porphyry stone base, its rich material complementing the dark patina of the bronze and enhancing the work’s refined presentation.