18th Century Italian Terracotta Farnese Bull

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18th Century Italian Terracotta Farnese Bull

About the Item

"18th century Italian terracotta farnese bull" Naples, Italy, circa 1780 Terracotta Measures: 22.5" x 17.5" x 17.5" inches A late 18th century reduction of the classical marble known as the Farnese Bull; This colossal terracotta sculptural group represents the myth of Dirce from the Theban saga. She was tied to a wild bull by the sons of Antiope, Zethus and Amphion, who wanted to punish her for the ill-treatment inflicted on their mother, first wife of Lycus, King of Thebes. The bull dragged her to her death and from her blood sprang the fountain of Thebes that is called by her name. The scene before us is full of terror and daring, and though wrought in the cool, snowy marble, is yet quivering with intense passion and frenzied malice. Two powerful youths are battling with an enraged bull; the forms of these young men, especially of the one in front of the bull which can be plainly seen, are characterized by remarkable strength and agility. Notice how the muscles of the calf of the right leg are expanded and how they swell to whipcords down by the ankle. Over the horns of the mad bull this young fellow has placed a rope noose which the other brother is drawing tight and by means of which he assists in holding the furious beast, which is plunging desperately and striking the air with its hoofs. Their purpose is to bind to the horns of this terrible animal the helpless yet beautiful form of the woman whom you see in danger of being trampled by the bull. Only a moment they have to complete their diabolical task, for the combined strength of these two young giants cannot hold back this cyclone of fury; any minute it may break away and their vengeance be foiled. It is the supreme moment, when the struggles of the bull have reached their uttermost, when the strength of the men is put to its farthest limit, when the agonizing supplications of the beautiful woman are heartrending, and when the pity of the mother, standing in the background, breaks through all restraint and beseeches her two sons to be merciful, that the sculptors have caught and imprisoned for us in the gleaming stone. When Antiope, who is represented by the female figure standing in the background with the long spear resting in her left hand and against her shoulder, had given birth to Amphion and Zethus, she was driven away from her father's house and had to abandon her sons. The boys were given over into the care of an old shepherd who brought them up without their having any knowledge of their mother. Antiope, deprived of her children, also suffered terrible wrongs at the hands of her relative Dirce. One day, wandering on Mt. Cythaeron, in wild bacchanalian revel, Dirce met the two young shepherds, who at once became fascinated with her. Thinking her power over them complete and appreciating their great strength, she bids them bind Antiope to a mad bull that she may be dragged to a cruel death. In company with Dirce, they seek Antiope, but recognize their mother before it is too late. Then they consign Dirce to the fate she had prepared for another. To further illustrate the myth, notice the work on the base of the statue. A small boy adorned with a wreath, a figure regarded by some as the mountain god Cythaeron, decked with Bacchic ivy, is placed beneath the left foot of Amphion, and beneath his right foot springs the lithe and graceful form of a shepherd dog, and leaning against the trunk of a tree are a thyrsus or wand and other symbols, while on the right side of the base are carved the figures of a sheep and goat. But all these minor details are far surpassed in interest and power by the principal figures and their action. Nothing in the whole realm of art can surpass the artistic refinement of its execution, the exquisite folds of the drapery, the strength yet graceful symmetry of the forms, and the vivid and overwhelming sense of life and agony which pervades it all.

Dimensions:
Height: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)Width: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Depth: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)
Style:
Rococo (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Terracotta,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1780
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
Seller Location:
Kensington, MD
Reference Number:
Seller: S-48 1stDibs: LU9776961308