| The
Dying Gaul depicts a wounded Celtic warrior who lies upon the
earth awaiting death. It was found in the gardens which had belonged
to Sallust, a Roman historian. The statue is a Roman copy of
one of the bronze statues dedicated at Pergamon by Attolos I
in commemoration of his victories over the Gauls who had invaded
Asia Minor in 239 B.C. Fourth and fifth century Greek sculpting
had never depicted such a subject. It must have been a startling
innovation at the time of its creation. |
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| The
moustache, matted hair and twisted collar identify the warrior
as a barbarian. He supports himself on one arm as his strength
ebbs away. The moustache, matted hair and twisted collar identify
the warrior as a barbarian. He supports himself on one arm as
his strength ebbs away. With the realism characteristic of Hellenistic
art, his skin appears hard and dry, the muscles heavy in contrast
to the ideal Greek type. Blood oozes from the open wound. However,
the sculptor introduces these realistic touches with artistic
restraint. It is a concept that goes beyond physical pain to
speak of the anguish of defeat which destroys the spirit rather
than the flesh. |
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