Campaspe
Statuette
1763 (dated)
1763 (dated)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This statuette representing Campaspe is made by Walter Pompe (1703-1777) in the South Netherlands, dated 21 October 1763.
Pompe was a Dutch sculptor, active in Flanders. He ran a studio specialising in the production of small-scale devotional statues in marble, wood, terracotta and ivory. Many of the sculptures associated with his name must be studio productions due to variations in quality.
The figure is a model for a monumental garden sculpture. The composition is based on the so-called Cesarini Venus by Giambologna (1529-1608), a large-scale marble which was reproduced by Giambologna as a bronze statuette, and which would have been known to Pompe in that form. The scale on the back of the sculpture was used by Pompe's assistant to transfer the composition to the marble. Giambologna also made wax and clay models for his assistants to work from, and this figure illustrates the continuation of this common workshop practice.
Campaspe was the favourite concubine of Alexander. Apelles was commissioned by Alexander to paint the naked Campaspe and fell in love with her. Alexander gaver her to Apelles as a present.
Pompe was a Dutch sculptor, active in Flanders. He ran a studio specialising in the production of small-scale devotional statues in marble, wood, terracotta and ivory. Many of the sculptures associated with his name must be studio productions due to variations in quality.
The figure is a model for a monumental garden sculpture. The composition is based on the so-called Cesarini Venus by Giambologna (1529-1608), a large-scale marble which was reproduced by Giambologna as a bronze statuette, and which would have been known to Pompe in that form. The scale on the back of the sculpture was used by Pompe's assistant to transfer the composition to the marble. Giambologna also made wax and clay models for his assistants to work from, and this figure illustrates the continuation of this common workshop practice.
Campaspe was the favourite concubine of Alexander. Apelles was commissioned by Alexander to paint the naked Campaspe and fell in love with her. Alexander gaver her to Apelles as a present.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Campaspe (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Terracotta |
| Brief description | Statuette, terracotta, Campaspe, by Walter Pompe, South Netherlandish, dated 21 October 1763 |
| Physical description | The figure stands drying her left breast with a small towel, while a longer piece of drapery held by her left hand falls over her legs. She rests her left foot on a small column. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Bought (departmental fund) from Heim Gallery, London, Jermyn Street, for £1,500. Formerly in the possession of Michael Tivman, 13 Talbot Avenue, Langley, Berks. Historical significance: Her pose and appearance are based on Giambologna's composition the Cesarini Venus, which must have been known to Pompe in the form of a bronze statuette. |
| Historical context | A graduated scale inscribed on the back of the plinth suggests that this model was intended for enlargement, possibly to life size, as a garden statue to be paired with one of Alexander. |
| Production | dated 21 October 1763 |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This statuette representing Campaspe is made by Walter Pompe (1703-1777) in the South Netherlands, dated 21 October 1763. Pompe was a Dutch sculptor, active in Flanders. He ran a studio specialising in the production of small-scale devotional statues in marble, wood, terracotta and ivory. Many of the sculptures associated with his name must be studio productions due to variations in quality. The figure is a model for a monumental garden sculpture. The composition is based on the so-called Cesarini Venus by Giambologna (1529-1608), a large-scale marble which was reproduced by Giambologna as a bronze statuette, and which would have been known to Pompe in that form. The scale on the back of the sculpture was used by Pompe's assistant to transfer the composition to the marble. Giambologna also made wax and clay models for his assistants to work from, and this figure illustrates the continuation of this common workshop practice. Campaspe was the favourite concubine of Alexander. Apelles was commissioned by Alexander to paint the naked Campaspe and fell in love with her. Alexander gaver her to Apelles as a present. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.32-1975 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
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