Live Auction 9183European Furniture and Decorative Objects
A French bronze figure of Thetis, third quarter 19th century
Lot 106

A French bronze figure of Thetis, third quarter 19th century

Price Realised

GBP 587

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A French bronze figure of Thetis, third quarter 19th century
Cast after a model by Pierre Eugène Émile Hébert, portrayed bending to strap on greaves, her right foot resting on a helmet, a round shield leaning against a plinth behind her, the shaped base with THETIS at the front and EMILE=HEBERT at the side -- 14 7/8in. (37.8cm.) high overall

Specialist note

Thetis is not usually portrayed in armour, and was recognised by the Greeks more for her beauty and kindliness. She was forced by Zeus to marry a mortal, Peleus, and she bore him a son, Achilles. Thetis attempted to render Achilles immortal by dipping him into the River Styx, but omitted his heel. Having discovered his mortality, she tried to avert his fate, by aiding him on the battlefield at Troy.
This bronze portrays her preparations, before joining the fray.