Antique French Bronze Ulysses Bending His Bow

19th century

Sold by Tim Saltwell Antiques

Description

A late 19th century, French, patinated bronze figure of ‘Ulysses bending his Bow’ after Jacques Bousseau ( 1681-1740). The mythological figure of Ulysses naturalistically modelled, resting on a tree stump, straining to bend his bow. Retaining the original dark green/black patination.

Height 18 1/2” (47cm)

Base width 6” (15cm)

Base depth 6” (15cm)

French

Circa 1870

Jacques Bousseau, 1681-1740, was a French sculptor. He was a pupil of the celebrated Nicolas Coustou, and was approved at the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, in 1715. In France and Spain he bore the title of King of Sculptor and was well known and respected during his lifetime. Various examples of his sculptures, as with other of his contemporaries, were copied by sculptors in the late 19th Century, to satisfy demand for classical pieces such as this.

The Argument

Penelope, to put an end to the solicitations of the suitors, proposes to marry the person who shall first bend the bow of Ulysses, and shoot through the ringlets. After their attempts have proved ineffectual, Ulysses, taking Eumæus and Philætius apart, discovers himself to them; then returning, desires leave to try his strength at the bow, which, though refused with indignation by the suitors, Penelope and Telemachus cause to be delivered to his hands. He bends it immediately, and shoots through all the rings. Jupiter at the same instant thunders from heaven; Ulysses accepts the omen, and gives a sign to Telemachus, who stands ready armed at his side.

Physical Dimensions

Height

47cm (18.50")

Width

15cm (5.91")

Depth

15cm (5.91")

Declaration

Tim Saltwell Antiques has dated this piece to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA748593

Dealers Internal Reference

4342

Dealers Notes

Please contact us if you require more information.

Description

A late 19th century, French, patinated bronze figure of ‘Ulysses bending his Bow’ after Jacques Bousseau ( 1681-1740).

“

The mythological figure of Ulysses naturalistically modelled, resting on a tree stump, straining to bend his bow.

Tim Saltwell Antiques

Retaining the original dark green/black patination.

fig 1. Antique French Bronze Ulysses Bending His Bow

Height 18 1/2” (47cm)

Base width 6” (15cm)

Base depth 6” (15cm)

French

Circa 1870

Jacques Bousseau, 1681-1740, was a French sculptor. He was a pupil of the celebrated Nicolas Coustou, and was approved at the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, in 1715. In France and Spain he bore the title of King of Sculptor and was well known and respected during his lifetime. Various examples of his sculptures, as with other of his contemporaries, were copied by sculptors in the late 19th Century, to satisfy demand for classical pieces such as this.

fig 2. Antique French Bronze Ulysses Bending His Bow

The Argument

Penelope, to put an end to the solicitations of the suitors, proposes to marry the person who shall first bend the bow of Ulysses, and shoot through the ringlets. After their attempts have proved ineffectual, Ulysses, taking Eumæus and Philætius apart, discovers himself to them; then returning, desires leave to try his strength at the bow, which, though refused with indignation by the suitors, Penelope and Telemachus cause to be delivered to his hands. He bends it immediately, and shoots through all the rings. Jupiter at the same instant thunders from heaven; Ulysses accepts the omen, and gives a sign to Telemachus, who stands ready armed at his side.

Physical Dimensions

Height

47cm (18.50")

Width

15cm (5.91")

Depth

15cm (5.91")

Date of Manufacture

Tim Saltwell Antiques has dated this piece to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA748593