Loca Antiqua

Toro Farnese, 3rd c CE copy of Greek original, Naples National Archaeology Museum

“This spectacular sculpture is from the Faranese collection and depicts the gruesome myth of Dirce. Dirce was tied to the horns of a wild bull by Amphion and Zethus, sons of Queen Antiope in revenge for wrongs committed against their mother. In my photograph you can barely make out Antiope standing in the background, directing the punishment.

It was carved from a single block of marble. According to Pliny the Elder, it was created by the Rhodian sculptors Apollonius and Tauriscus. It stood in the Baths of Caracalla Rome and was rediscovered in 1546 by excavations carried out under the order of Pope Paul III. It is said to be the largest piece of sculpture recovered from antiquity and is likely a Roman copy of the Greek original described by Pliny.

It is an impressive sight to see in person. It is a riot of flailing figures captured in dramatic and contorted poses and is an impressive example of the sculptors art.” More