Relief, Tomyris et la tête de Cyrus - 104 cm - Copper






He accumulated 18 years' experience, worked as junior specialist at Sotheby’s and managed Kunsthandel Jacques Fijnaut.
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Description from the seller
Important oval bas-relief depicting Tomyris and the head of Cyrus, after a famous composition by Peter Paul Rubens, widely disseminated notably through Paulus Pontius's engraving in 1630.
The scene illustrates the antique episode told by Herodotus: after defeating Cyrus the Great, king of the Persians, Queen Tomyris plunges his head into a vessel filled with blood, thus carrying out her vengeance.
The relief bears in its lower part the Latin inscription:
« SATIA TE SANGUINE QUEM SEMPER SITISTI »
« Quench yourself with the blood you have always thirsted for. »
Composition particularly rich and spectacular, bringing together many figures in strong relief: Tomyris surrounded by her retinue, armed soldiers and, at the centre, Cyrus's head placed above the basin.
A small inscription or signature, partially legible, appears under the basin; its attribution remains to be determined.
Ancient casting in copper alloy presenting a beautiful brown patina with some traces of oxidation. The reverse shows the hollow casting and is equipped with a suspension system.
Era: probably 19th century
After: Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
Subject: Tomyris and the head of Cyrus
Dimensions: exceptional 104 × 70 cm
Beautiful large decorative object, reproducing one of the most striking historical subjects in Rubens' oeuvre.
The photos are an integral part of the object description and complete its presentation. They allow you to appreciate its condition and characteristics. Please examine them carefully before any commitment
The item will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking number to ensure quick and secure delivery.
Happy bidding
Seller's Story
Important oval bas-relief depicting Tomyris and the head of Cyrus, after a famous composition by Peter Paul Rubens, widely disseminated notably through Paulus Pontius's engraving in 1630.
The scene illustrates the antique episode told by Herodotus: after defeating Cyrus the Great, king of the Persians, Queen Tomyris plunges his head into a vessel filled with blood, thus carrying out her vengeance.
The relief bears in its lower part the Latin inscription:
« SATIA TE SANGUINE QUEM SEMPER SITISTI »
« Quench yourself with the blood you have always thirsted for. »
Composition particularly rich and spectacular, bringing together many figures in strong relief: Tomyris surrounded by her retinue, armed soldiers and, at the centre, Cyrus's head placed above the basin.
A small inscription or signature, partially legible, appears under the basin; its attribution remains to be determined.
Ancient casting in copper alloy presenting a beautiful brown patina with some traces of oxidation. The reverse shows the hollow casting and is equipped with a suspension system.
Era: probably 19th century
After: Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
Subject: Tomyris and the head of Cyrus
Dimensions: exceptional 104 × 70 cm
Beautiful large decorative object, reproducing one of the most striking historical subjects in Rubens' oeuvre.
The photos are an integral part of the object description and complete its presentation. They allow you to appreciate its condition and characteristics. Please examine them carefully before any commitment
The item will be carefully packed and shipped with tracking number to ensure quick and secure delivery.
Happy bidding
