Pair of monumental eagles, neoclassical, 18th century.

Pair of monumental eagles neoclassical, 18th century.
In terracotta.
Almost identical models from Roman times are preserved in the Thorvaldsen Museum in Copenhagen.
Measurements: 98 x 73 x 60 cm; 97 x 66 x 60 x 60 cm.

Imposing terracotta eagles. They date from the 18th century and show a clear inspiration in the classical Roman models. In particular, almost identical plaster models are kept in the Thorvaldsens Museum in Copenhagen. They reflect the interest of neoclassicism in reviving the art and ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. In the Roman Empire, eagles were an emblematic symbol, representing power, authority and divine connection, especially in the military context. Both birds, monumental in appearance, are shown at rest. They do not spread their wings completely as if they were going to take flight, but only partially, maintaining a vigilant and majestic posture, with their heads tilted to one side. This is a frequent posture on Roman eagles placed on monuments, sarcophagi and banners. The attention to detail in the feathers, worked one by one with extreme delicacy, and in the veristic texture of the talons, underline its powerful and intimidating character. Terracotta, for the skilled sculptor, allows for an extreme level of detail, which is why it was a frequent material among neoclassical sculptors for studies of classical works. These eagles represent an artistic and symbolic continuity that connects the imperial power of ancient Rome with the resurgence of these ideals in the 18th century, linked to the power and grandeur of the Roman Empire.