From Antique, Rome, circa 1800 Ariadne asleep Bronze figure Resting on a Breccia Africano and Rosso Antico marble base H. 10.8 cm (4 ¼ in.) H. (total): 18.5 cm (7 ¼ in.) A bronze figure of sleeping Ariadne, after the Antique, Rome, circa 1800 Our bronze is a reduction of a model of the Roman statue of the sleeping goddess Ariadne, itself inspired by a Greek prototype from the 2nd century BC. The Roman antique is now on display in the Vatican Museums, having been acquired by Pope Julius II in 1512. The theme illustrated here is that of Ariadne's troubled sleep. Theseus has abandoned her after she helped him escape from the Minotaur's labyrinth, but she dreams that Dionysus, a god and not a mortal, wants to marry her. Ariadne was a popular subject on ancient sarcophagi because of the promise of eternal life her story offered. *Information for buyers: Lot from outside the EU: The hammer price is exclusive of VAT. VAT at the reduced rate of 5.5% applies to the hammer price. This VAT is recoverable for French professionals. It is reimbursable for a buyer from outside the EU on presentation of proof of export from the EU or for a professional bidder providing proof of an intra-Community VAT number and a document proving delivery in the Member State. *Information to the buyers : Lot from outside the EU : The hammer price and premium will be VAT excluded. 5.5% VAT will be added to the hammer price and premium. Upon request, this VAT can be refunded to the purchaser on presentation of written proof of exportation outside EU, or to the EU purchaser who will submit his intracommunity VAT number and a proof of shipment to an EU country.