Grand Tour Bronzes of Atalanta and Hippomenes- a Set of 2

Description

This set of two late 19th Century F. Barbedienn bronzes were acquired from a Palm Beach estate.

FYI
Atalanta, the … more This set of two late 19th Century F. Barbedienn bronzes were acquired from a Palm Beach estate.

FYI
Atalanta, the Greek Goddess of Running, is one of the lesser-known gods worth knowing about. Atalanta was abandoned in a forest on a mountaintop by her father Iasion (Schoneneus or Minyas in some versions), who was disappointed she was not a boy. The Goddess Artemis sent a she-bear to raise her.

The legend goes that Atalanta took a vow of virginity and declared the only man she would marry had to beat her in a footrace, or forfeit his life. The figures are Atalanta and Hippomenes illustrated in the foot race he won by throwing golden apples in front of her whenever she got ahead of him. Distracted by the irresistible apples, Atalanta would stoop down to retrieve them allowing Hippomenes to win. Look in his raised hand and you'll see one of the apples ready to toss.

Note: Hippomenes measures 16" hight x 13 3/4" width x 8"depth.

Atlanta measures 15 1/2" height x 11" width x 7 1/2" depth.

Atalanta base measures 4.75" x 4.75".

Hippomenes base mesures 4.75" x 4.7/8". less