CIRCLE OF CLAUDE MICHEL, CALLED CLODION (1738-1814), CIRCA 1790-1810

细节

A RECTANGULAR TERRACOTTA RELIEF OF HERCULES AND OMPHALE
Circle of Claude Michel, called Clodion (1738-1814), circa 1790-1810
Set in a moulded rectangular giltwood frame; the rear indistinctly inscribed in ink 'Dad... Clodion Jupiter + Omphale Paris jupiter .... Omphale, par Clodion, à ......'.
Very minor cracking; chips and wear to gilding of frame.
6¾ x 11½ in. (17.2 x 29.2 cm.)

注意事项

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拍品专文

The story of Hercules and Omphale is one of role reversal and sexual politics. Hercules, as punishment for a murder he committed in a fit of madness, was sold to Omphale, queen of Lydia. He was soon transformed from slave to lover, but he grew effeminate while with her. Here, Omphale has the attributes of Hercules - the lion skin and club - while the hero is depicted holding a distaff and spinning wool.

The relief has traditionally been attributed to Clodion, and is inscribed as such on the reverse. Although the subject and, particularly, certain passages of the drapery are reminiscent of his style, the figure types are quite distinct from Clodion's work. It is therefore more likely that the work was executed by a contemporary artist.