JM Blashfield Antique Terracotta Sculpture of Tasso

An antique JM Blashfield terracotta figurative sculpture of Italian poet Torquato Tasso, dating to circa 1850.

In a patinated finish, This statues is depicting wearing a laurel leaf crown and holding a sword and scroll stood on an octagonal base, signed ‘J M Blashfield Stamford’ and numbered ‘209’.

John Marriott Blashfield (1811-1882) manufactured terracotta architectural and garden items between 1840 – 1875. His works are noted actions of the Christian army led by Godfrey of Bouillon during the last months of the First Crusadetheir fine detailing and pale terracotta colour.

Torquato Tasso (1544-1595)

Torquato Tasso was the greatest Italian poet of the late renaissance, celebrated for his heroic epic poem Gerusalemme liberata, which focuses on a version of the capture of Jerusalem by the crusaders in 1099, largely based on myths.

It follows the actions of the Christian army led by Godfrey of Bouillon during the last months of the First Crusade. Tasso added a number of imaginary episodes in which his lyrical and hedonistic imagination found free expression.