A handsome French gilt bronze of good proportions depicting 'Ajax', after the antique.
Ajax is recorded in The Illiad as a, ‘tower of strength to the Achaeans’ and, ‘the best man among the Thracians, being both brave and of great stature’. Helen of Troy described him as, ‘huge Ajax, bulwark of the Achaeans’. He is one of the strongest warriors for the Achaeans, second only to his cousin Achilles. His epic duel with Hector, resulting in a tie, is detailed in the seventh book of the famed poem by Homer.
The eagle to the front of the helmet relates to the eagle which was sent as a sign from Zeus (Ajax's grandfather) at the time of Ajax’s birth, and the scene to the top of the helmet symbolises Ajax's education from Chiron the centaur.
The bronze has some light signs of wear in areas commensurate with age, a very small nick to the helmet front, a small dink to the back of the stand and a small nick to the neck; all very small but mentioned for completeness (please see photographs). Generally the whole bronze is in a very good condition and displays extremely well.
Dimensions
Height: 26cm
Width: 13cm
Depth: 11cm
Delivery
UK Mainland: FREE
International Delivery: Please contact us for a shipping quote.