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Leda and The Swan Marble Bust

$16,716.77
£12,000
€14,202.70
CA$22,698.86
A$25,445.24
CHF 13,269.12
MX$311,896.57
NOK 168,142.01
SEK 159,857.89
DKK 105,970.53
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About the Item

Leda and the swan carved in white marble, Italian, Risorgimento, late 19th century. Stock Number: 33150 Leda and the Swan: A Mythological Tale Immortalised in Marble The mythology of Leda and the Swan is one of the most evocative stories from Greek mythology. It tells the tale of Zeus, the king of the gods, who, captivated by the beauty of Leda, the queen of Sparta, transforms himself into a swan to seduce her. The encounter results in Leda giving birth to two eggs, from which hatched the beautiful Helen of Troy, the cause of the Trojan War, and the Dioscuri twins, Castor and Pollux. The story of Leda and the Swan has been a popular theme in art and literature, with its inherent drama, sensuality, and the transformation of Zeus into a swan providing rich material for visual and poetic interpretation. It is a narrative that explores themes of power, seduction, and metamorphosis, often depicted with a blend of both erotic and tragic undertones. One such depiction is the present white marble carved bust of Leda and the Swan. This sculpture captures the intimate moment between Leda and the Swan with profound sensitivity and attention to detail. The swan’s wings envelop Leda in a protective and possessive embrace, its beak tenderly kissing her, creating a scene that is both sensual and serene. The figures are carved with such finesse that they appear to be caught in a moment of mutual surrender, a testament to the sculptor’s ability to convey complex emotions through stone. The choice of white marble for this sculpture is significant. Renowned for its purity and luminosity, white marble has been used throughout history to create sculptures of gods and heroes, making it a fitting material for a story involving Zeus. The smooth, polished surface of the marble enhances the sensuality of the scene, while its solidity and permanence underscore the enduring nature of the myth. The sculpture of Leda and the Swan is a powerful visual representation of a poignant moment in the tale from Greek mythology. It captures the essence of the story, the transformation, the passion, and the consequences, immortalising them in marble. The result is a piece of art that is not only visually stunning but also rich in symbolism and narrative depth.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 33.08 in (84 cm)Width: 22.84 in (58 cm)Depth: 15.75 in (40 cm)
  • Style:
    Belle Époque (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1880
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1204239953702

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