Minneapolis Institute of Art

Polyphemus

Edme Dumont

Date: c. 1750
Medium: Terracotta
Department: European Art
Institution: Minneapolis Institute of Art

This work captures a fascination with the effect of violent tension on the body, in this case that of the giant Polyphemus. In love with the nymph Galatea, Polyphemus is preparing to hurl a rock at Galatea’s lover. The terracotta was exhibited at the Louvre as evidence of the high skill achieved by students of French academic art education. The choice of subject is a curious one, since Dumont’s father, also an artist, was crushed to death by one of his own sculptures. France, Europe

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Polyphemus Throwing Boulders at the Fleeing Aeis and Galatea (recto); Polyphemus Playing His Reed Pipes for Galatea (verso)

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Ewer with Triumph of Galatea

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Acis and Galatea Discovered by Polyphemus

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Hercules Tamed By Love. This mischievous God in his triumphant ways subjects all, kings, shepherds, heroes and gays, Alcide interrupts his dreaded exploits and binds him while Omphale overjoys. (Gallant poetry by Monsieur Sauzet), plate 25 from Histoire Ancienne

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