Tim Saltwell Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
The size of each is ‘La reduction aux 2 cinquièmes'.
Height 21 1/2” (54.5cm)
Width 18” (46cm)
Depth 8" (20.5cm)
Diameter at base 6 1/2" (16.5cm)
Circa 1880
French
Hippomenes fell in love with Atalanta, the virgin huntress who strongly disliked the idea of getting married. After a warning from an oracle about getting married, she declared that whoever wanted to marry her had to beat her in a footrace (herself being a notoriously swift runner), and that those who should try, and lose, would be punished by instant death. Another version (followed by Hyginus) was that her father wanted her to be married, but she did not. She agreed to running races against her suitors because she thought she would never lose.
Atalanta raced all her suitors and outran all but Hippomenes, who defeated her by cunning, not speed. Hippomenes knew that he could not win a fair race with Atalanta, so he prayed to Aphrodite for help (the goddess, in the meantime, disliked Atalanta's neglect of love).
Aphrodite gave him three golden apples – which came from her sacred apple-tree, and told him to drop them one at a time to distract Atalanta. After each of the first two apples, Atalanta was able to recover the lead, but when she stopped for the third, Hippomenes won the race. It took all three apples and all of his speed, but Hippomenes was finally successful, winning the race and Atalanta's hand.
Tim Saltwell Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
Specialists in 19th century english & continental furniture
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Tim Saltwell Antiques Profile Page
Tim Saltwell Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Pair of Late 19th Century French Bronze Figures Hippomène & Atalante
