Description

19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Bust of Ajax cast and patinated bronze, dates from the mid to late nineteenth century, after the antique measures approximately: 8 1/2" H x 4 1/4" W x 2 3/8" square base Please note that shipping charges are inclusive of insurance, payment processing (if paying by check or cash, processing fee will be refunded) and carrier fees. If local pickup is selected and if applicable, payment processing fee will still be assessed and due. About Ajax (from Brittanica ) Ajax, byname Ajax the Greater, in Greek legend, son of Telamon, king of Salamis, described in the Iliad as being of great stature and colossal frame, second only to the Greek hero Achilles in strength and bravery. He engaged Hector (the chief Trojan warrior) in single combat and later, with the aid of the goddess Athena, rescued the body of Achilles from the hands of the Trojans. He competed with the Greek hero Odysseus for the armour of Achilles but lost, which so enraged him that it caused his death. According to a later story, Ajax’s disappointment drove him mad. On coming to his senses, he slew himself with the sword that he had received as a present from Hector. The legend has it that from his blood sprang a red flower that bore on its leaves the initial letters of his name, AI, letters that are also expressive of lament. Ajax was the tutelary hero of the island of Salamis, where he had a temple and an image and where a festival called Aianteia was celebrated in his honor. The story of Ajax shows the changeability of human fortune and human nature. Despite being a hero (with the aid of the goddess Athena) during the rescue of Achilles’ body from the Trojans, he eventually turned to treachery in an attempt to obtain Achilles’ armour. His suicide marked the end of a once heroic life. S1. 6, 8.8.12