Ariadne
1919
Medium
marble
Measurements
50.0 × 80.1 × 39.0 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1921
© Estate of the artist
Gallery location
Level 2, NGV Australia
About this work
In Greek mythology, the Athenian hero Theseus was sent to the island of Crete as part of a group to be sacrificed to the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull beast that was kept in a labyrinth. Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos of Crete, fell in love with Theseus, and offered to help him escape if he promised to take her away with him. As Theseus penetrated the labyrinth, he unwound a ball of golden thread given to him by Ariadne, and after slaying the Minotaur was able to find his way out by following the thread. However, on their journey to Athens, Theseus abandoned Ariadne. This became the subject of Harold Parker’s powerful sculpture.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
London, England
Inscription
incised in base l.c.l.: Harold Parker / 1919
Accession Number
1181-3
Department
Australian Sculpture