BRONZE SCULPTURE: MILO DE CROTONE

A bronze sculpture with a brown patina depicting Milo of Croton splitting open a tree trunk, his legs on either side of the trunk, his tense muscles vividly conveying the intensity of his effort. Signed E. Dumont 1768. This bronze dates from the 19th century, after the original marble sculpture by Edmé Dumont (1720-1775) held at the Louvre Museum. In Greek mythology, the elderly athlete Milo of Croton was walking alone in a forest in Italy when, seeing an oak tree split open in the middle, he decided to test his strength. He attempted to tear it open, inserting his fingers. The oak recoiled, trapping him, and Milo of Croton was subsequently devoured by wolves. 19th century, circa 1850. Dimensions: W: 15cm, D: 14cm, H: 30cm.