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Farnese Bull

The Farnese Bull is a massive Roman marble copy of a Hellenistic sculpture, and the largest single sculpture yet recovered from antiquity. Dating to the Severan period (A.D. 222–235), it depicts the mythological death of Dirce, who was tied to a wild bull by Amphion and Zethus. The sculpture is much restored and includes additional figures around the base, such as a child, a dog, and other animals. Formerly in the Farnese collection in Rome, it has been in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Napoli since 1826, though it is sometimes displayed at the Museo di Capodimonte.

The Farnese Bull marble sculpture showing a dramatic scene with two men struggling to subdue a bull and a female figure beneath it.
The Farnese Bull depicts a violent mythological struggle carved in marble, with a bull, two men, and a figure beneath them.
October 2024 © · CC BY 4.0
Farnese Bull marble sculpture showing a rearing bull restrained by two muscular men, with a seated woman below.
The Farnese Bull depicts a dramatic scene with a rearing bull, two muscular figures, and a seated woman at the base.
· CC BY 2.5
The Farnese Bull marble sculpture showing a bull held by two male figures, with a distressed draped woman at the base and a small dog nearby.
The Farnese Bull, a dramatic marble group with a bull, two male figures, and a draped woman at the base.
© · CC BY 2.0
Farnese Bull marble sculpture showing Dirke tied to a bull, with two men and other figures around the dramatic scene.
The Farnese Bull depicts the punishment of Dirke in a dramatic marble group with multiple figures and a bull.
June 2014 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
The Farnese Bull, a colossal marble group sculpture with multiple figures in a museum gallery.
The Farnese Bull on display in a brightly lit museum gallery.
October 2019 © · CC BY-SA 2.0

Identification

TitleFarnese Bull
Alternative namesTouro Farnésio; Touro Farnese; Byk Farnezyjski; Byk Farnese; Toro Farnesio; The Punishment of Dirce
TypeLarge free-standing marble sculptural group

Historical context

Art periodHellenistic period; Roman Imperial copy
DateLate 2nd century BC original; Severan period copy (AD 222–235) is also proposed
Historical designationHistoriographical name

Creator

Original artistsApollonius of Tralles and his brother Tauriscus
Ancient sourcePliny the Elder

Discovery and provenance

Possible ancient location mentioned in scholarshipHorti Asiniani (Asinian Gardens), near the Baths of Caracalla
Original locationRhodes
Associated owner of ancient settingThe Asinii family
Associated collectorGaius Asinius Pollio
Former collectionFarnese Collection in Rome
ProvenanceOriginally from Rhodes; later moved to Rome in antiquity
Initial condition when foundFound broken into pieces
Discovery contextFound during excavations ordered by Pope Paul III to find sculptures for the Palazzo Farnese
Discovery siteBaths of Caracalla, Rome
Discovery date1546

Physical characteristics

HeightMore than 4 m
Base dimensionsMore than 3 m on a side
WeightAbout 21.8 tonnes
ScaleColossal; described as the largest free-standing sculpture from classical antiquity to survive and the largest single sculpture recovered from antiquity

Materials

MaterialMarble
Original construction materialCarved from a single large block of marble

Technique

TechniqueRoman copy of a Hellenistic sculpture

Appearance

CompositionThe scene is arranged in a pyramidal composition and is dynamic, with strong pathos

Condition

ConditionMuch restored; severely damaged after long outdoor exposure

History and restoration

RestorersGuglielmo della Porta and Giovanni Battista Bianchi; later Andrea Cali; later Angelo Brunelli; later Angelo Solari
Restoration supervisionRestored under the supervision of Michelangelo
Michelangelo's proposalHe proposed using it in a fountain
Possible early useIt may have been adapted for fountain use soon after discovery
Supporting evidenceRenaissance descriptions and a 1595 engraving by Etienne du Perac
Added restoration elementsAn infant/child, a dog, other animals, a shepherd, and parts of Dirce, Antiope, the bull, and the sons of Antiope were added in restoration; modern scholars think the figure of Antiope with a spear was not original
Restoration date of added elementsSome added elements were introduced in the 16th century; others in 1848
Restoration historySubstantially restored in the 16th century, with further restorations in 1579, the 18th and 19th centuries, including work in 1848

Location and ownership

Associated palacePalazzo Farnese
Ancient settingThe courtyard of the southeastern palaestra of the Baths of Caracalla
Installation location in RomeInner courtyard of Palazzo Farnese
Fountain locationVilla Giulia
Former locationPalazzo Farnese in Rome; later moved to Naples in 1787
Transfer to NaplesMoved in 1787 as part of the Farnese family inheritance
Occasional display locationMuseo di Capodimonte, Naples
Since1826
Inventory number6002
Current locationNational Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

Iconography and meaning

SubjectThe myth of Dirce
Depicted figuresDirce; Amphion and Zethus, sons of Antiope; Antiope; a wild bull
Narrative representedDirce, the first wife of Lycus, king of Thebes, is tied to a wild bull by Amphion and Zethus as punishment for mistreating their mother Antiope

Significance

Ancient fameWell known in antiquity, with numerous reproductions in wall paintings at Pompeii, gems, and Lydian coins
Literary mentionMentioned by Pliny the Elder in Natural History
Scholarly debateSome scholars argue the surviving sculpture cannot be the work mentioned by Pliny and instead may be a 3rd-century AD Roman version made for the Baths of Caracalla