Sculpture, Testa di centauro Chirone - 37 cm - Wax

Wax model of a centaur head with a plaster base.

The preparatory element for the casting has been cast in bronze.

The head, with a strongly patetic and tormented expression, derives from an old-centaur statue which originally bore on its back the figurine of a small erôthe (putto). The creation dates to the 2nd century BC and represents an allegory of the pains of love that torment old age in contrast with the amorous games of youth (symbolized by a smiling young centaur). The best copies of these works are those in bigio morato marble, signed by the artists Aristeas and Papias of Aphrodisias, found at Villa Adriana and preserved in the Capitoline Museums.