BERTOLDO DI GIOVANNI
(b. ca. 1420, d. 1491, Poggio a Caiano)

Bellerophon and Pegasus

1481-82
Bronze, height 33 cm
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

This is Bertoldo's most famous statuette representing the Greek hero Bellerophon attempting to tame Pegasus before slaying the Chimera. Bellerophon symbolizes courage and Pegasus immortality. The pose is unusual for the myth, coming from a common ancient type, the horse-tamer.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 2 minutes):
Jean-Baptiste Lully: Bellérophon, Air