CA0170 Fine pair of 19th century Atalanta and Hippomenes bronzes by Barbedienne

A fine pair of 19th century French patinated library bronzes of Atalanta and Hippomenes. Well cast beautiful bronzes by Ferdinand Barbedienne after marble originals in the Louvre in Paris. Commissioned by Pierre LePautre (1659–1744) and Guillaume Coustou (1677-1746) for the decoration of the park of Chateau de Marly and transferred in 1798 to the Tuileries Gardens. Atalanta was a beautiful young woman famous for being able to run quicker than any other human. Atalanta made a vow declaring she would only marry someone capable of winning a race against her, those that lost were to be sentenced to death. Many died before she met Hippomenes, who with the help of Aphrodite and three golden apples from the garden of Hesperides. The curious young girl stopped running to pick them up giving Hippomenes an advantage. Atalanta quickly caught up and passed Hippomenes, but was diverted each time when he tossed an apple, ultimately winning the race and Atalanta herself. Fine examples presented on classical fluted parian cast bases. Signed F. Barbedienne Fondeur and Collas Reduction stamp. France, circa 1860.

H 42cm x W 27cm