A Pair Of 19th Century Bronze Figures Stamped Barbedienne
£2,800
SOLD
A fine 19th century pair of bronze figures depicting Apollo and Aphrodite, both stamped F. BARBEDIENNE. FONDEUR.
Apollo is often considered to be one of the most multifaceted gods in Classical Mythology. The son of Zeus and Leto, he is often associated with medicine and healing. However, he has the power to bestow ill-health upon others. For the Ancient Greeks, Apollo represented a fragment of all the gods united in one and, as such, his business ranged from music and poetry to truth and prophecy. The snake, winding around a single staff by his right foot, can be interpreted as a medical symbol; whereas the arrows, shown here on the figure’s back, allude to Apollo and his twin sister Artmis’ ability to kill.
The Roman Goddess Venus, was referred to as Aphrodite by the Greeks: the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. Arguably the most well represented of the goddesses, the goddess of the people is, as in this instance, often depicted with a dolphin by her side. It was said that Aphrodite was born out of the ocean and has since been associated with all things maritime.
