The Abduction of Hippodameia

The Abduction of Hippodameia

The Abduction of Hippodameia by the French sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse (1824-1887) is a classical subject blended with violent emotion, sensuality, and raw animal power.

The source of the subject is from Greek mythology: During the wedding of Hippodameia and Pelops, the barbaric centaurs who had been invited became wildly intoxicated, attacking the other guests and even the hosts. The centaurs were eventually tamed, and order restored.

cite news
url=http://www.dukemagazine.duke.edu/dukemag/issues/010204/depgal.html
publisher=Duke
title=The Abduction of Hippodameia
date=January-February 2004

]

Carrier-Belleuse portrays the callous over-powerment of the rearing centaur clutching the weakened body of the ill-fated bride through an intricate, open composition of cross-angles and twisting forms. The theme was often featured in ancient times, as seen in the architectural sculptures at the great Temple of Zeus at Olympia (site of the original Olympics) and at the Parthenon in Athens. Carrier-Belleuse's interpretation focuses on the ruthlessness of beastly desire.

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