Posted on 01/27/2014 7:37:58 AM PST by lbryce
During the 230s B.C., Attalos I of Pergamon in Asia Minor decisively defeated marauding tribes of Gauls. Known for their muscular physique and the feral appearance imparted by the thick, manelike locks of hair they washed with water and lime, these Celtic warriors were at various times a terror to Greeks and Romans alike. In 387 B.C. they had plundered Rome itself.
"The Dying Gaul," on loan to the National Gallery of Art, in Washington, from Rome's Capitoline Museum through March 16, is a superb antique copy of a sculptural masterpiece originally intended to commemorate the Pergamene triumph. Attalos I (who ruled 241-197 B.C.) probably commissioned the original bronze sculpture himself, as part of a larger composition devoted to the theme of a vanquished but noble adversary. One other complete sculpture, also extant in the form of a high-quality marble copy, can be associated with near certainty with this larger composition: the "Gaul Committing Suicide With His Wife" in the National Museum of Rome's Palazzo Altemps.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Of course, it seems educated art critics were mislead about this ancient statue.
By the way, I was wrong regarding Kirk Douglas and the Vikings. Indeed, he did model his appearance on the Dying Gaul - but in the film Spartacus.
No, I am Spartacus!!
I’d probably be the one person not to say that!
You might consider parking at the Greenbelt Metro station....
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You are tempting me, but how safe is the Light Rail these days?
I haven’t heard of any incidents in quite some time. Ever since a fatal crash @ 4 years ago they have had endless track work. I ride somewhat regularly and feel safe. hahahaha -— LOTS safer than driving on the Beltway.
As to crime AT the stations (punks), haven’t heard of that in quite some time, either.
Greenbelt Metro Station works for visitors from the N; Vienna from the W; and Springfield from the S. You can use “Rider Tools” at wmata.com. Now you HAVE to use a farecard ($1.00). They are available at ALL stations. If you’re eligible for reduced (disabled/senior) fares, there’s a special card available at only a few places (possibly by mail). All that info is available at the Metro website under fares or farecards (not the easiest to navigate but with patience, it’s quite doable). DO come. A day at the National Gallery (and you might throw in the Natl Archives across the street) is a wonderful experience.
Okay. Thanks very much.
Will have to work on the DH about planning a visit.
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