Lawrence MacDonald, Odysseus

An antique marble sculpture of the Greek mythological hero, Odysseus, being welcomed by his dog, Argos. According to the Odyssey, Odysseus returned home after many years away fighting the Trojan wars disguised as a beggar. As he approached his home no-one recognised him apart from his now very old dog, Argos. The sculptor has used some artistic licence because, according to the legend, Argos only had the strength to raise his head and wag his tail.

It is signed to the base 'L MacDonald Fecit Roma 1857'. Lawrence MacDonald was a Scottish sculptor who established himself in Rome from 1832 onwards mainly producing portrait busts. This group is a scaled down version of his work 'Ulysses recognised by his dog' which he exhibited in the Paris Exhibition of 1855'

Mid 19th Century