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Piazza della Signoria
(Loggia dei Lanzi)

Ratto di Polissena

The Rape of Polyxena

Polyxena (Πολυξένη) was the youngest daughter of King Priam of Troy. Achilles, trusting her, told her of his vulnerable heel.
(Wikipedia)

Pio Fedi
1865

Description

Marble sculpture representing the forcible abduction of Polyxena by Achilles. The warrior, whose form is characterized by great strength and beauty, encircles the form of the maiden with his left arm, while his right is uplifted and in its hand is a sword with which he is about to strike down the mother, Hecuba, who, kneeling at his feet, implores his mercy while she clings piteously to her child and the betrayer.

On the side of the base of the statue is a low relief with Greek text.

Firenze - Ratto di Polissena

ΥΜΕΙΣ ΔΕ Μ' ΑΛΛΑ ΘΥΓΑΤΡΙ ΣΥΜΦΟΝΕΥΣΑΤΕ
ΚΑΙ ΔΙΣ ΤΟΣΟΝ ΠΟΜ ΑΙΜΑΤΟΣ ΓΕΝΗΣΕΤΑΙ
ΓΑΙΑ ΝΕΚΡΩ ΤΕ ΤΩ ΤΑΔΕ ΕΖΑΙΤΟΥΜΕΝΩ
From the dialogue between Ulysses and Hecuba from Euripides, translated "Kill me along with my daughter, so that there shall be another slaughter upon the earth."

On an other side of the base is the text: ΟΛΩΛΑΣ Ω ΠΑΙ ΜΗΤΡΟΣ ΑΡΠΑΣΘΕΙΣ ΑΠΟ

Firenze - Ratto di Polissena

Sculptor

Pio Fedi (Viterbo 1816 - Firenze/Florence 1892), Italian sculptor (Wikipedia).

Sources & Information

Wikipedia, Ratto di Polissena.
Tutt Art, Pio Fedi ~ The Rape of Polyxena, 1865 | Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence.

Locatie (N 43°46'8" - E 11°15'20") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: itto049; Photograph: 8 May 2017
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

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