Ariadne on the Panther

myminifactory

This sculpture showcases Ariadne, a Cretan princess, born to King Minos and Queen Pasiphaë. As the daughter of Zeus on her father's side and Helios on her mother's side, she boasts a rich lineage. She is famous for assisting the Greek demigod Theseus in navigating the Labyrinth in Ancient Greece. Ariadne was abandoned by Theseus on the island of Naxos but was later rescued by Bacchus. They became husband and wife, and this sculpture depicts her sitting atop one of his wild animals from his procession. The artist Dannecker, born in Stuttgart, had worked in Paris and Rome under Canova's guidance. The "Ariadne" (1814) was a highly sought-after design during its time and was produced in various sculptural forms; this marble reduction is just one of many examples.