Fascinating good quality pair of French 19th century patinated library bronzes of Atalanta and Hippomenes. Well cast and chased examples. Very rare, possibly unique, interpretation of the central characters of the classical myth. Presented on black marble bases inscribed Atalante and Hyppomenes on elaborate designed bronze cartouche plaques. Atalanta was a beautiful young woman famous for being able to run quicker than any other human. Atalanta made a vow declaring she would only marry someone capable of winning a race against her, those that lost were to be sentenced to death. Many died before she met Hippomenes, who with the help of Aphrodite and three golden apples from the garden of Hesperides. The curious young girl stopped running to pick them up giving Hippomenes an advantage. Atalanta quickly caught up and passed Hippomenes, but was diverted each time when he tossed an apple, ultimately winning the race and Atalanta herself. France, circa 1860.Atalanta: H 34.5cm x W 11.5cm x D 14cmHippomenes: H 31cm x W 14cm x D 16.5cmBased in London, we are dealers in fine decorative antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. We specialise in this era of enlightenment, neoclassicism and the Grand Tour, with its far reaching influence on style and taste in Britain, Continental Europe and beyond: elegance in the age of Napoleon. Our extensive stock covers all aspects of this period and decorative antiques influenced by the period. We constantly source new, beautiful items and upload to our site regularly. We are first and foremost antique collectors with over thirty years of experience; we only buy what we love and we hope you will too. Additional images can be supplied on request. More items are available on our website http://www.cellantiques.co.uk. We ship worldwide.Height is 34.5cm (13.6inches)
Width is 14cm (5.5inches)
Depth is 16.5cm (6.5inches)