BUST OF MENELAUS
bronze
These two bronze busts, characterized by a carefully crafted cast, represent two personalities from antiquity in natural size. Menelaus, legendary hero of the Iliad, is portrayed wearing a splendid historiated helmet. The image is inspired by the famous group in which the warrior lifts the body of Patroclus, which is currently installed under the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence; the statue, which was originally from Rome, stood for a long time at the end of Ponte Vecchio. The other personality, portrayed according to a model of which there are several known specimens, is the emperor Caracalla (188-217 B.C.), famous for the great baths he built on the Aventine and for his violent and bloodthirsty character, which may to some extent be perceived from this bust.
19th century
cm 70 height
