Filarete (c1440-c1469), Julius Caesar and King Juba. H: 6¼ in. (15.4 cm) W: 10¾ in. (27.4 cm).

LONDON.- A newly-discovered 15th century Renaissance bronze masterpiece described as “astonishingly rare” by gallery directors Dino and Raffaello Tomasso, has sold today in New York. The piece was secured for a significant seven figure-sum by an important international private collection during the first hour of an exhibition being held by Tomasso Brothers Fine Art, which opened this afternoon at Carlton Hobbs. 

The work, a bronze relief depicting Julius Caesar in triumph dating, to circa 1433, is by Antonio di Pietro Averlino, called Filarete (c.1400–c.1469), the artist who designed the monumental bronze doors of St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome. 

Filarete is considered to have had a crucial influence over the entire genre of all’antica bronze relief work that emerged during the 15th century. Autograph works by Filarete are astonishingly rare and along with his tutor, Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378–1455), he is considered one of the earliest masters of bronze relief sculpture. 

The selling exhibition, Important European Bronzes, continues through 30th January 2016 at the New York galleries of Carlton Hobbs LLC. Another highlight is a recently re-attributed and fully autograph work by Giambologna, the imperious ‘Hohenzollern Mars’ dating from circa 1580 and formerly in the collection of the Princes von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, Germany. The bronze figure represents a rare, early cast of the high-mannerist master’s model of ‘Mars’ that so influenced later generations of artists. Giambologna (1529–1608) was revered in his own lifetime as the greatest sculptor of his age, after an illustrious career making works for the Medici Grand Dukes of Florence and the most powerful European courts. 

Dino and Raffaello Tomasso are recognised internationally for specialising in important European sculpture from the early Renaissance to the Neo-classical periods. They have a particular expertise in European Renaissance and Baroque bronzes, and they have chosen works from these periods as the focus of the exhibition. 

Commenting, gallery Director Dino Tomasso says: “We are presenting serious collectors and connoisseurs with an outstanding opportunity to view and acquire some of the best European bronze sculpture available today.” 

Raffaello Tomasso, Director, adds: “This follows up a successful New York event we staged at Carlton Hobbs a year ago. The works we have selected to bring to our current show are in part a response to the well-received exhibitions of the Quentin and Hill bronzes, held at the Frick Collection in recent years.”