SIR THOMAS BROCK (BRITISH 1847-1922)

SIR THOMAS BROCK (BRITISH 1847-1922)
Hercules and Antaeus, 1869
bronze with dark brown patina
height including base: 108 cm (42.5 in.)
signed, dated and inscribed with edition number 4/99 on base

LOT NOTES
Sir Thomas Brock was born in Worcester, England in 1847. He was commissioned to create many significant works of sculpture for Queen Victoria. Most famous is his imperial memorial to Queen Victoria. The work is now in front of Buckingham Palace where he was knighted in 1911. Sir Thomas Brocks sculptures echo style and allegory commonplace in Baroque era sculpture. Sir Thomas Brocks sculptures were later associated with the New Sculpture Movement. The New Sculpture Movement focuses on the renewal of classicized British sculpture adding a new elegance and vitality. In his piece Wrestlers, it is evident that Sir Thomas Brock was strongly influenced by Hellenistic and Baroque sculpture. The two men are twisting around each other, as the smaller man is pulled upwards -- his face full of agony. The defined muscles and arms of both men are intertwining. There is a terrific sense of tension and force being exerted as both men try to overcome the strength of the other. The work is an exemplar of Brocks wonderous ability to demonstrate varieties in texture, depict hair and emotion-filled facial expressions, and evoke a sense of the piece being a �frozen� in time -- a particular moment within a time of dynamic movement and chaos; there is a sense of potential energy.

The piece is likely a depiction of Hercules slaying Antenaeus. The mythical giant Antenaeus was the son of Gaia, goddess of earth. Because of this, Antenaeus was strong and undefeatable when in contact with the earth. Knowing this, Hercules lifted Antenaeus into the air and squeezed him to death.

Both this piece of artwork in particular, as well as the story of Hercules Slaying Antenaeus, can be seen as allegorical to the story of David and Goliath. However, the story of Hercules Slaying Antenaeus clearly differs in that Anetaeus, the loser of the brawl, is a giant.

CONDITION
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