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Merlin and Arthur
JOHN, Sir William Goscombe (1860-1952)
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
JOHN, Sir William Goscombe
Date: 1902
Acquisition
Gift, 1932
Given by Sir William Goscombe John
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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