THE DYING GAUL
Classification
Dimensions
185 x 195 x 100 cm
Date
early 20th century
Period
Material
Inventory
Ag.288
ID
Hyp-6402
References
The severely wounded warrior is naked like the heroes. The short, tufty hair, the moustache, and the torques around the neck show that he is not Greek but Celtic (Gaul). He lies on his shield, he can hardly raise himself. He is using all his strength to overcome his pain, and die with dignity. The dying Gaul is the adaptation of a bronze statue, which formed part of the so-called Greater Attalid monument. The monument was erected by Attalos I, the king of Pergamon (241—197 BC) in Asia Minor to commemorate a military victory against the Gaul.
