composite, marble powder Diana van Versailles Statue - 32 cm (No reserve price)

Beautiful classical archaeological replica bust of the 'Diana of Versailles' (Artemis) Marble-composite/resin (32 cm - 3.5 kg ) History of the archetype This high-quality bust is a faithful replica of the head and torso of the world-famous 'Diana of Versailles' (also known as Diane Chasseresse or Artemis with the hind) one of the absolute masterpieces of classical antiquity in the collection of the Louvre Museum in Paris. The original marble statue in the Louvre dates from the 1st or 2nd century AD and is a Roman copy of a lost Greek bronze original from circa 325 BC, traditionally attributed to the celebrated Athenian sculptor Leochares. The masterpiece was discovered in Italy (perhaps near Tivoli or Nemi) and was gifted to the French king Henry II by Pope Paul IV in 1556. The statue served as a subtle artistic ode to the royal mistress, Diane de Poitiers. After stays in the gardens of Fontainebleau and the legendary Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles, the masterpiece found its permanent place in the Louvre after the French Revolution. Meaning of the Goddess The statue depicts Artemis (Roman Diana), the twin sister of Apollo and one of the most powerful goddesses of the Greek-Roman pantheon. She embodies: * The hunt and the wilderness: She ruled over forests, hills and wild animals. * * Purity and independence: As a virgin goddess she refused marriage and maintained absolute autonomy in a male-dominated mythology. * * Protection and transition: She was regarded as the ultimate guardian of young girls, young animals, harvest and women in childbirth. * The iconography of this bust reflects her active nature: her flowing hair is elegantly tied in a functional knot so as not to get in the way while drawing a bow. She wears a classic, pleated chiton (tunic) that falls over her left shoulder. While the full statue shows her in a dynamic forward stride as she draws an arrow from her quiver, this bust radiates a majestic, serene and unmoved royal calm (aloof majesty). Significance in Ancient and Modern Culture * In Antiquity: Where older Greek cult images (such as the famous multi-breasted Artemis of Ephesus) focused mainly on primal strength and fertility, 4th-century classical art introduced a humanized, athletic and elegant goddess. The Romans widely adopted this style to decorate palaces, temples and the luxurious gardens of their imperial villas. * * In Modern Culture: Since the Renaissance, the Diana of Versailles has been the symbol of female power, grace and the untamable nature. During the 18th and 19th centuries, owning a replica of this bust was an absolute status symbol for aristocrats returning from their Grand Tour through Europe. Its cultural impact extended so far that even in the luxurious First Class Lounge of the RMS Titanic a bronze replica of this very statue adorned the mantelshelf (an artifact that recently resurfaced on the ocean floor). * Specifications of this auction lot This lot is executed in a cast material with a refined antique patinated finish. The artificial aging marks in the folds of the garments give the piece a well-worn, authentic character reminiscent of freshly excavated archaeological marble pieces. Mounted on a handsome neoclassical round base. A timeless and elegant decorative piece, perfect for lovers of classical archaeology, mythology and historic interiors. Beautiful for a mantel, sideboard or plinth in a classical or neoclassical interior!

Stima:€200

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