Style Empire / Ref.9492
Achilles and the Centaur fireback
Dimensions
Width 23'' ¼ 59cm
Height 23'' ¼ 59cm
Origin:
19th century
Status:
Very good condition
The Empire style is clearly expressed in this piece through the style of the sculpture, the folds of Chiron’s scarve and the curls of his hair.
Cast iron fireback from the 19th century depicting Achilles with his teacher the centaur Chiron. Achilles, son of Thetis and Peleus, was the most heroic of all the Greek warriors at the siege of the Troy. To make him invulnerable, his mother had dipped him in the Styx but she held him by the ankle, creating his only weak spot. He was ultimately struck in the ankle by an arrow and died.