Rape of Polyxena, The

Primary Creator
Sculptor Pio Fedi
Contributor(s)
Properties
Era1800s
Height100 inches
StyleNeo-Classical (19th-21st Cent)
Width60 inches
Name of WorkRape of Polyxena, The
Production Date1866
Production Location


Current Location


Media TypesStone
General Notes

While this is said to be a mythological subject, the work stands on its own without reference to that history, since the themes of strife and strength are universal.

Description

Is said to be the depiction of Achilles during the forcible abduction of Polyxena. Also portrays Hecuba (Polyxena's mother) who is imploring that her daughter not be taken. The group is said to be cut from one large marble slab and the composition is one of the more complex three dimensional works of any century by a sculptor, showing the intertwined, swirling motions of the four bodies, with the projected strength of Achilles and other characters.

Theme

Life is complex strife, entwined with strong god-like characters.

Emotional Sum or Sense-of-life

Strength and complex beauty are central. Vitality, passion and action are hallmarks of this work.

Tags

mythology

Scale

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