“ GLADIATORS “ [ original title unknown]
by ISABELO L. TAMPINCO. (19 November 1850 – 30 January 1933)
“ Gladiators “ is not the original title as that is unknown.
We will do the description of the two sculptors but the sculpture that we will refer to as soldier “B” is in the National Museum of the Philippines and the title on the sculpture is,
“ Soldier Unsheathing his Sword “, Isabelo L. Tampinco, plaster cast, ca. 1880's.
Description of “ THE GLADIATORS “ [original title unknown.]
cast marble.
30.5cm high x 28cm x 20cm.
Base is round 21cm dia. 1.5cm thick.
Signed...... “ I L T “.. 1890. [ both sculptures ]
"A" "B"
These two Gladiators that I will describe together, as they are a pair, I will refer to them as “A' and “B” for easy reference.
Both Soldiers are dressed in identical uniforms, though there are some subtle differences. They both have on helmets, a cape, and a layered battle skirt, both have on sandals with open toes.
Each Soldier has a sword and scabbard with shoulder strap over the right shoulder and a buckle on the chest for adjustment of the placement of the scabbard on the left hip. They both have a round battle shields that have a design embossed on the outer surface.
What are the differences?
“A” is standing with his sword drawn in his right hand and his shield firmly held by his left arm and hand in the shield grips. The shield is resting on the ground, ready for action.
“B” is drawing his sword out of his scabbard with his right hand and holding the scabbard with his left hand. His shield is hanging from his right shoulder by the shoulder strap on the shield and still standing on the ground.
Soldier “A” is kneeling on his left knee with his right leg bent, he is looking to his right and his head is bent slightly forward. He is wearing a helmet and a clock, caught under the throat.
Soldier “B” is beginning to rise up on his left leg and his right leg is bent under him. He is looking to his left and his head is leaning forward. He is wearing a helmet and a cloak that is caught at the throat.
“ This work of a Roman soldier [ "B"] crouched behind his shield while unsheathing his sword is one of the earliest works of Isabelo Tampinco.
The facial expression of the soldier and the fluid lines of the composition reflects Tampinco's talent at a young age.”
Pg., 78. “ The life and Art of Isabelo Tampinco” by Santiago Albano Pilar.
Notable differences of each Soldier.
The side flap on the helmet of Soldier “A” is turned down and the side flap of Soldier “B” is still turned up.
"A"
The top of the sword scabbard of Soldier “A” has three distinct rings around it, whereas the top of the scabbard of Soldier “B” only has two.
"A"
"B"
Also the shield of Soldier “B” has a very distinct shoulder strap, whereas there is no shoulder strap on the shield of Soldier “A”.
"B"
"A"
The cloak clasps under the throat of each Soldier are different from each other.
On the sword guard of Soldier “B” there are distinct markings which can be easily seen, but there are no markings on the guard of Soldier “A”.
From the back of the Gladiators.
The Helmets of both Soldiers are little different, on Soldier “A” the back neck guard is round in shape and much longer in length than the neck guard on Soldier “B”. The neck guard on Soldier “B” is not as deep or long as Soldier “A” but is wider across the back of the helmet and squarer in shape with rounded off ends.
The helmet of Soldier ”A” has one strap around the back of the helmet, whereas the helmet of Soldier “B” has two straps.
The tail/tassel on the back of helmet “B” is much longer than the tail/tassel on the back of helmet “A”.
"B" "A"
The embossed design on shield “A” is quite different from the design on shield “B”
Both shields at first glance look very similar but closer inspection shows quite a different design on each shield. The design is similar as both are done from a center circle and in four parts but that’s where the similarity stops.
"B" "A"
Both bases are round.
Both bases are signed “ I L T
1890"
DISTINGUISHING FACTS.
The plaster of paris sculpture, “ Soldier unsheathing his sword ” that is in the National Museum of the Philippines, was not standing on a round base and was unsigned and the card read ca. 1880's.
The base was added later for the marble casting and was clearly signed and dated.
The museums date is ca. 1880 and these sculptures are dated 1890.
Sculpture “A” is also stamped under the cloak beside the shield from the back,
“ UNIVERSAL STATUARY Corp.
CHICAGO, ILL.
c. 1953. 833L.
There is no similar stamp on Soldier “B”. The only conclusion that I can draw is that there was no appropriate place on Soldier “B” to allow the stamp to be inserted, the stamp is quite big.
As these are clearly a pair one stamp was enough.
We have asked why these where molded in Chicago in 1953 and the only answer was that the family chose to mold them there.
"A"
I do hope that this post has been of interest to you and helps you with your collection considerations.
Happy collecting
Mark E Shellshear
Art Consultant.
markshellshear@gmail.com
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