Artemis Bust of Gabi in Terracotta H 30cm

Impruneta Terracotta Artemis of Gabi bust

GABI’S ARTEMIS

Gabi’s Diana or Artemis is one of the most iconic representations of the goddess. The original white marble statue is attributed to Praxiteles and was discovered in 1792 on the property of Prince Marcantonio IV Borghese near Rome, where the city of Gabi stood in ancient times. A few years later, Napoleon forced the prince’s heirs, in dire financial straits, to sell as many as 344 works from the Borghese collection to France. Since that time the Diana has been on display in the Louvre.

The sculpture depicts Artemis, goddess of virginity, hunting and forests, in the act of wearing the gift of her devotees. The head is slightly turned to the right, but the goddess does not take attention to what she is doing. In contrast, her gaze turns to her surroundings, a typical feature of classical statues. ARTEMIDiS the archer goddess who lives with the nymphs in the woods, a symbol of freedom, sisterhood and the ability to center one’s goals.

THE MATERIAL.

La Terracotta consists of a clay mixture that is fired at a temperature of 980-990° C. The typical reddish color is due to the conspicuous presence of iron substances.

Resistant to frost, heat, thermal changes and brackish, over time it becomes almost a unique element with the surrounding natural environment. In fact, it is not uncommon for lichens and moss to settle on the surface, creating different textures and designs, which will make each object a unique, exclusive and personal piece.

Thanks to these unique characteristics, ITALIAN TERRACOTTA marries perfectly with the most modern concepts of design and architecture, combining refinement and durability, modern design and ancient material.

History

The working of terracotta in Tuscany, particularly in the Impruneta area, originates with the Etruscan civilization. Its architectural use peaked in the Middle Ages and the Gothic period. Thanks to the strong and warm color, it had the function of emphasizing the architectural lines in contrast with the gray of the stone. In the Renaissance the activity of the furnaces flourished when the Medici and other noble families used to adorn the parks of their villas with vases and statues. Although in the great architecture of the time the infamous Carrara marble was favored for great works, terracotta retains its place of honor and the many palaces of the time are proof of this, one above all Brunelleschi’s Dome of the Florence Cathedral.

In more recent times there has also been a revival of terracotta in the artistic field thanks to leading sculptors. Since ancient times and still today it has always been widely used for vases and other decorative elements, especially if intended for the outdoors, but also for immortal kitchen utensils, especially plates, pans and pots (and in the latter cases it is glazed).