C19th Italian Grand Tour Serpentine Sculpture Jennings Dog

For sale is this fabulous antique Italian serpentine sculpture of a mastiff. I would estimate it was made in the second half of the 1800s and probably sold as a souvenir to European travellers. The original sculpture was named after its first owner, Henry Constantine Jennings. Bought by Jennings in 1750, the roman sculpture titled “Hound of Alcibiades” is one of the very few examples of a Hellenistic animal sculpture copied in the Roman period. The original marble figure depicts the Molossian, an extinct ancestor of the modern day mastiff, now on permanent display in the British Museum. Various versions in marble or bronze were often displayed pride of place in grand homes, seen as a reminder of the traveller’s journey across Europe as well as the knowledge and great learning that came with it. (Source: uk-heritage.co.uk) This example measures about 16.5 cms tall by 15 cms long at the base by 7.5 cms wide. It weighs a hefty 1,174 grams. It is in good condition overall although both of the mastiff's ears are chipped at the tips. It's a lovely sculpture which would make a great desk object or paperweight. Shipping will be free within the UK.