Dame Elisabeth Frink

Riace I

1986

Not on display

Artist: Dame Elisabeth Frink 1930–1993
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: Displayed: 2120 x 800 x 1010 mm, 254 kg
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Purchased with asssistance from Sir Harry and Lady Djanogly and the Friends of the Tate Gallery 1998
Reference: T07398

Display caption

This is one of four 'Riace' sculptures which were inspired by the discovery of two fifth-century BC Greek bronze sculptures in the sea off Southern Italy in the 1970s. Frink saw them on display in Florence and described how 'the original figures are very beautiful, but also very sinister'. The bronzes depict ancient Greek mercenaries: warriors who would fight in exchange for sacrificial offerings in their benefit. A lifelong supporter of Amnesty International, Frink has said, 'Thuggishness is a bit of a preoccupation with me. It hinges on all my humanitarian sentiments'.

Gallery label, August 2004

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