Vintage Bronze Atalanta Statue

Here we have this beautifully crafted vintage bronze copy of a statue of Atalanta by Art Deco sculptor Paul Manship. There is no signature on this piece that we can find. The original is in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and is slightly larger at 28 1/2". Atalanta is cast bronze in an action running pose with flying ribbon detail. Dolphin mounted base cast inline. Hollowed bottom. Excellent condition. The entire piece measures 23 1/2" tall and is 21 1/2" wide at it's widest point. The base is 6 1/2" in diameter. It is heavy weighing 11 1/2 pounds.


Paul Manship, Atalanta, 1921, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Paul Manship, 1966

In Greek mythology, the lovely swift-footed maiden Atalanta could run faster than all others. Because a prophecy warned her to avoid marriage, she challenged each of her suitors to a footrace — death being the penalty for defeat. While observing the races, a handsome youth named Hippomenes fell in love with Atalanta and challenged her,