Amphion - Styles and Influences
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Amphion(Part of the subject of Farnese Bull)
Italy; 16th c.
The Farnese Bull group (ca. 100 BC, National Museum, Naples) shows Zethus and Amphion tying Dirce with ropes to the horns of a bull in order to punish her for trying to kill their mother Antiope in the same manner. The Hellenistic group inspired the anonymous artist to make this figure of Amphion. Although supposedly in fierce struggle with an imaginary strong animal, the figure does not seem to project any great power to master the bull. The body is well-developed and muscular, but not especially strong.