Horse Head From The Quadriga Of Selene – Parthenon – G. Ulderigo Workshop – Marble

This monumental, life-size sculpture in solid white marble depicts one of the horses from the mythical “Quadriga of Selene.”

Selene, also known by her ancient name Mene, is the personification of the Moon in Greek mythology. Daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, she traverses the sky each night in her chariot, pulling the moon behind her.  At the far right of the Parthenon’s east pediment, Selene completes her journey and disappears below the horizon into the waves of the Ocean. This striking scene illustrates the cosmic shift between night and day: the Moon’s horses, exhausted by their nocturnal race, sink into the waters while Helios (the Sun) rises at dawn on the other side of the pediment.

This work is based on the masterpiece of classical Greek sculpture: the east pediment of the Parthenon, attributed to Phidias (c. 438–432 B.C.). The ancient original is housed at the British Museum in London.

This piece comes from the prestigious Roman workshop of Guglielmo Ulderigo. Active in the late 19th century, this workshop was a major destination for wealthy travelers on the Grand Tour, producing reproductions of remarkable archaeological fidelity.

Unlike mass-produced decorative castings, Ulderigo’s work is distinguished by direct carving in solid marble as well as a rigorous anatomical study of the ancient originals.

Ulderigo masterfully captures the almost dramatic realism of Selene’s horse at dawn: flared nostrils, protruding veins on the muzzle, and muscles strained by divine effort. The treatment of the mane and the nobility of the white marble give the piece an exceptional architectural presence, comparable to the aesthetic power of Phidias’ original.

The sculpture has retained its original brass identification plaque, engraved with the following inscriptions:

— Horse head from the Quadriga of Selene
— East Pediment – Parthenon
— Original in Pentelic marble
– British Museum
– London
— Copy by G. ULDERIGO

• Directly carved from solid marble: Ensures a unique sculptural presence, great durability, and period weight.

• Historical provenance: From a leading 19th-century Roman workshop.

• Integrity: Rarely seen with its original brass plaque.

• Intended Use: Ideal for a prestigious residence, an antique gallery, a monumental hall, or a high-end neoclassical setting.

Note: Sculpture sold individually. A pair is available upon request.

• Period: Late 19th / Early 20th century

• Material: Solid white marble

• Condition: Good overall condition. Some slight signs of age and minimal surface wear consistent with use and age. Beautiful overall patina. Sound piece, cleaned and ready for installation.

• Dimensions of the sculpture: Length: 90 cm | Height: 60 cm | Depth: 30 cm

• Dimensions of the brass plaque: 25 cm × 10 cm

Extremely heavy piece (approx. 200 kg). Appropriate handling equipment and specialized transport must be arranged for delivery. We can arrange transportation upon request.