Style Napoleon III / Ref.15700
J. SERRE, Pair of bronze caryatids representing Bellona
Dimensions
Width 21'' ⅝ 55cm
Height 105'' ⅞ 269cm
Depth: 11'' 28cm
Origin:
second half of the 19th century
This pair of caryatids depicting Bellona, the goddess of war, is signed by the Parisian founder J. Serre. The rare subject of Mars’ sister is recognizable by the dragon and the winged helmet worn by the divinity. Bellona was notably interpreted by Auguste Rodin in 1879 and became widely known through Jean-Léon Gérôme’s famous chryselephantine statue presented at the 1893 Salon, whose bust has since been widely reproduced.
The composition of these bronze caryatids echoes that of ancient Herm figures: a bust emerging from a quadrangular block represents the deity without arms. The base is shaped like clawed feet, while acanthus leaves and flowers decorate the sides of the rectangular block. The goddess wears a cuirass adorned with scales, serpents, and an apotropaic mask. The serene and impassive expression of the face contrasts with the terrifying aspect of Gérôme’s Bellona. Only the elaborate hairstyle and the menacing dragon hint at the warlike nature of this martial divinity. Through its calm expression, classical decorative motifs, and imposing stature, this pair of caryatids can be dated to the Second Empire period.
Informations
Price: on request
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