There is an entire room in the Uffizi dedicated to the Niobe myth. If you don’t know (and I didn’t), she was the mother of seven sons and seven daughters who bragged about her fertility in front of Leto. Leto was the mother of a mere two — the twins Apollo and Artemis — but was a goddess and, as gods and goddesses will do, took offense.
What a bloodbath ensued!
Leto’s son, Apollo, killed all seven of Niobe’s sons, while Artemis killed all of her daughters. Niobe’s husband either committed suicide or was also killed. Niobe was left devastated and alone. Zeus took pity on her and turned her to rock, but the myth tells us that even then tears streamed down her stony face.
When you enter the spacious room, it takes a minute to understand what you are seeing. I read a card or two and looked again. And then there was no mistaking the terror and panic.
Both fascinating and terribly sad.
Man Dee, that’s a lot. Could you ‘feel’ the panic in the room? I can’t imagine what it would be like to stand amongst them, so big and well executed with emotion.
I’m always fascinated and impressed with sculptures, as I tried only once …wood, Jr. High…and discovered I just don’t see that negative space, to know what to take away. And once gone, the material is gone!
The photo of E. looking is so darn adorable, like a postcard (I think I’ve said this on a previous post! haha). Your foot made me laugh. When I got back my 1979 wedding snapshots, there was one with my foot turned waaaay out! Why? heehee
Thanks for sharing your travels 🙂
You really could feel the desperation in the room. The sculptures in both cities were extraordinary. Carved out of rock? Are you kidding me?
Cool story. Those Roman’s had some god tales eh? And the statues – so amazing!
Yes. Bloody vengeance is a real theme. And my god, what they did at the Colosseum. Really violent and taking pleasure in violence.