Bronze Age Gold from Wales

Merlin and Arthur

The turn of the 19th century saw a revival of interest in Celtic imagery and mythology in Wales. This bronze, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1902, is John's only work on an Arthurian theme. According to medieval legend, the Welsh bard and magician Merlin aided Uther Pendragon's seduction of Yguerne, wife of the Duke of Cornwall. The child born of this liaison, the future King Arthur, was committed to Merlin's care. The pose and costume of this bronze reveal a debt to Rodin, particularly his monumental statues of the 'Burghers of Calais'.

Collection Area

Art

Item Number

NMW A 127

Creation/Production

1860-1952
Role: Artist
Period: 1902

Acquisition

Gift, 1932

Measurements

Height (cm): 61
Width (cm): 25
Depth (cm): 25
Height (in): 24
Width (in): 9
Depth (in): 9

Techniques

Bronze on wooden base
Techniques (sculpture)
Fine Art - sculpture

Material

Bronze
Wood

Location

In store
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