Lot 124: A FRENCH BRONZE MODEL OF ORPHEUS

A FRENCH BRONZE MODEL OF ORPHEUS
LATE 19TH CENTURY, AFTER RAOUL VERLET (1857-1923)
Shown standing, his lyre at his feet, Cereberus roaring behind, the naturalistic base with cast signature 'Raoul Verlet', numbered 914, Reduction Mecanique roundel and 'F. BARBEDIENNE Fondeur Paris'
39 in. (99 cm.) high

All lots removed to off-site warehouse the day after the sale - 2 weeks free storage
Cereberus, the three-headed watchdog that guarded the gates of hell was rumoured to have a voice of bronze, and one head which was always alert. Playing his lyre, a gift from Apollo, Orpheus was able to lull the beast to sleep.