Atalanta

Paul Manship, Atalanta, 1921, bronze, 28 34 in. (73.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966.47.20

Artwork Details

Title
Atalanta
Artist
Founder
Roman Bronze Works
Date
1921
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
28 34 in. (73.1 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Paul Manship
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Highlights
Subjects
  • Figure female — nude
  • Figure female — full length
  • Mythology — classical — Atalanta
Object Number
1966.47.20

Artwork Description

In Greek mythology, the lovely swift-footed maiden Atalanta could run faster than all others. Because a prophecy warned her to avoid marriage, she challenged each of her suitors to a footrace — death being the penalty for defeat. While observing the races, a handsome youth named Hippomenes fell in love with Atalanta and challenged her, hoping to gain her hand in marriage. The young suitor invoked the aid of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who presented him with three golden apples. During the contest, Hippomenes dropped the apples one at a time, each of which Atalanta paused to pick up. The delays allowed Hippomenes to win the race and to take as his bride Atalanta, who was secretly pleased by the race's outcome. Flying dolphins, a common motif in ancient Greek art, adorn the sculpture's base.

Works by this artist (33 items)

More Artworks from the Collection

Oliver Tarbell Eddy, Self-Portrait, ca. 1850, oil on tin, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ralph and Bobbi Terkowitz, 2019.6.3
Self-Portrait
Dateca. 1850
oil on tin
Not on view
Jacob Maentel, Portrait of Elizabeth Sweitzer Musser, ca. 1826, watercolor and pen and ink on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ralph and Bobbi Terkowitz, 2019.6.5
Portrait of Elizabeth Sweitzer Musser
Dateca. 1826
watercolor and pen and ink on paper
Not on view
Jacob Maentel, Portrait of Adam Musser, ca. 1822, watercolor and pen and ink on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ralph and Bobbi Terkowitz, 2019.6.9
Portrait of Adam Musser
Dateca. 1822
watercolor and pen and ink on paper
Not on view
Ammi Phillips, Portrait of Helen (Lena) Ten Broeck, 1834, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Ralph and Bobbi Terkowitz, 2019.6.10
Portrait of Helen (Lena) Ten Broeck
Date1834
oil on canvas
On view