Phidias' Wounded Amazon: Large Bronze Sculpture, Second Half Of The 19th Century

This large bronze sculpture, unsigned and dating from the second half of the 19th century, is a masterful reinterpretation of the original work by Phidias. Its history dates back to the second half of the 5th century BC. The period in which Phidias, one of the greatest sculptors of Antiquity, created a wounded Amazon, the finest marble copy of which is now housed in the Capitoline Museums in Rome, is in the 1st century BC. The example we present here is a magnificent bronze piece with a medal patina, capturing all the grace and power of the ancient work. A famous cast of this Amazon, made by Luigi Valadier around 1780 in Rome for Pierre-Gaspard-Marie Grimod, Count of Orsay, is also known and is currently exhibited in the Vatican Museums under the name Mattei Amazon. This wounded Amazon is dressed in a loose chiton, held at the waist by a kolpos, revealing her bare left breast. She stands with one leg resting against a tree trunk, at the foot of which lies her pelta, the emblematic shield of the Amazons. Her helmet, placed on the ground, symbolizes her momentary vulnerability, while her inclined face and her gaze The absence of her arm betrays a profound melancholy. With her arm raised above her head, she seems to be releasing her bow, as if to free herself from a burden or suffering. This sculpture, 58 cm high, embodies both the strength and fragility characteristic of the Amazons of Greek mythology. It is an exceptional example of ancient art, skillfully reinterpreted by 19th-century artists. I would just point out a small trace of verdigris, but it can be removed by a competent craftsman and does not detract from its quality. Prestigious references: Paris: Louvre Museum, Department of Medieval, Renaissance and Modern Sculpture, Room 616 - Piranesi. Rome: Wounded Amazon, Capitoline Museums. Vatican: Mattei Amazon, Pio-Clementino Museum within the Vatican Museums. This piece, both historical and artistic, will appeal to lovers of ancient art and collectors in search of a A work steeped in history and emotion. It is ideal for enriching a collection or for adding elegance and character to an interior. You can follow me on Instagram by following this link: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.boussougant/ Back to the shop: Online sale of antique objects and furniture, buy with complete security (abnantiquitesdenormandie.com)