Hector Bidding Farewell to Andromache thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Hector Bidding Farewell to Andromache

Relief
ca. 1800 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This relief representing the legend of Hector bidding farewell to Andromache, is made by Valentin Sonnenschein (1749-1828), in Switzerland in ca. 1800.
The Trojan hero Hector is here seen taking leave of his wife and young son on the eve of battle in which he was to be killed by Achilles. Valentin Sonnenschein specialised in terracotta, and is also known to have worked for the Ludwigsburg porcelain factory.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleHector Bidding Farewell to Andromache (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Terracotta relief, horizontal oval high relief in gilt wooden frame
Brief description
Relief, terracotta, Hector Bidding Farewell to Andromache, by Valentin Sonnenschein, Swiss, ca. 1800
Physical description
Andromache standing on the right, hands the baby Astyanax to Hector, who is stepping forward to receive him. Hector has placed his helmet on the ground, as described in the Iliad, in order not to frighten the child. A horse and helmeted soldiers are in the background. On the left is a page, holding a shield, and on the right are two female attendants, one of whom appears to be drying tears with her right hand, while holding Andromache's train with her left.
Dimensions
  • Without frame diameter: 55.5cm
  • With frame diameter: 73cm
Object history
Bought from Messrs. Peel and Humphris Ltd., London, for £420, in 1962
Subjects depicted
Summary
This relief representing the legend of Hector bidding farewell to Andromache, is made by Valentin Sonnenschein (1749-1828), in Switzerland in ca. 1800.
The Trojan hero Hector is here seen taking leave of his wife and young son on the eve of battle in which he was to be killed by Achilles. Valentin Sonnenschein specialised in terracotta, and is also known to have worked for the Ludwigsburg porcelain factory.
Collection
Accession number
A.6-1962

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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