The Acrobats
Artist
Gustave Doré
(French, 1832 - 1883)
Datec. 1880-1883
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall: 50 3/4 × 10 1/2 in., 55.4 lb. (128.9 × 26.7 cm, 25.1 kg)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN5338
Although Gustave Doré is well known as the illustrator for such books as The Divine Comedy, Faust and the Doré Bible, he was equally successful as a painter of religious subjects and landscapes. But it was only late in life that he turned to sculpture, producing commissions for large monuments as well as smaller bronzes. The Acrobats demonstrates Doré's interest in anatomy. The work also has an allegorical meaning: the figures struggle to attain balance and stability, but it is the strength of only one man that holds them up - a testament to human ambition, and perhaps folly.
On View
Not on view
Unknown
Early-19th century
The Strobridge Lithographing Company
1899
Erie Lithograph
no date
Erie Lithograph
no date
