Beautifully made from silver and patinated bronze, this important sculpture was designed by the famed sculptor Raffaele Monti (Italian, 1818-1881) who moved to England in 1848. Monti gained critical acclaim when exhibiting at the International Exhibitions, showcasing his sculptures in traditional mediums such as marble and bronze, and also working with the Goldsmith Hancock's to design and model silver trophies.
This large and impressive sculptural trophy- The Brighton Cup, 1869- contrasts a naturalistic bronze rock-form base with silver waves, set with full length silver male and female figures holding arms and armour. The depiction is of five British men, a woman and a child getting ready to fight against the invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar's Roman army. It is set on an ebonised wood base with silver plaques, the front plaque being inscribed 'Brighton Cup. / 1869.'. The trophy is fully hallmarked for Charles Frederick Hancock of London and the date code for 1869 in several places.
This trophy was won by the horse Restitution, who was owned by Baron Mayer de Rothschild. There were several other models made for later races.
Provenance-+
The 1869 Brighton Cup was won by the horse Restitution, who was owned by Baron Mayer de Rothschild
The trophy subsequently formed part of the Rothschild Collection at Mentmore Towers in Buckinghamshire
Sold at Sotheby's landmark sale at Mentmore Towers on 23 May 1977- lot 1665