Kneeling Youth – possibly Ilioneus, son of Niobe

This is a restored plaster cast of an original marble work of the name ‘Ilioneus’ housed at The Munich Glyptothek. The original sculpture misses its arms and head, though the reconstructed work took to the assumptions from the twisted torso and remaining sections of the arms to be suggestive of someone trying to defend himself. The work is part of a sculptural group depicting the death of all of Niobe’s sons and daughters thought to have been carved by Timotheos (?)

The myth of Niobe is centred on the consequences of hybris, a concept that follows the punishments which follow if you act with arrogance towards the gods.

Niobe had claimed, in a fit of arrogance, that her fourteen children were superior to Leto (the mother of Apollo and Artemis). The twins killed all of the children in front Niobe’s eyes. Her husband soon after committed suicide and Niobe fled to Mount Sipylus. There she pleaded to the Gods to give an end to her pain. Zeus felt sorry for her and transformed her into a rock, turning her feelings to stone. However, even as a rock, Niobe continued to cry. Her endless tears poured forth as a stream from the rock and it seems to stand as a reminder of a mother’s eternal mourning.

Our figures are made by hand using high quality natural marble stone therefor each piece is unique and may slightly be different in shape and color.

★ Can be placed in the living room, garden, bonsai office, bedroom, bookstore, study, library, store, desk, car.

★ Gift idea for your friends and family, for those who are struggling, tired, depressed.

Material: natural marble

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