Phoebe by Isidore De Rudder

PHOEBE BY ISIDORE DE RUDDER

Description : A very beautiful ivory sculpture representing the titanide Phoebe by the Belgian artist Isidore De Rudder. This significant work of the artist was presented at the Antwerp exhibition in 1894. Phoebe was a Titanide associated with light in Greek mythology, later becoming linked to Selene, the goddess of the moon. She was also known as the Titanide of prophecies, including the Delphic oracle. Among the Titanides, Phoebe was the third to hold this role, following Gaia and Themis. In the introduction of the play « Eumenides » by Aeschylus, the Pythia herself speaks of Phoebe having control over the oracle, which she later gifted to Apollo as a birthday present. This transfer of the oracle’s control marked a significant shift in prophetic power.

The Belgian sculptor Isidore De Rudder (1855 – 1943, Bruxelles)

Isidore Liévin De Rudder, hailing from an artistic family in Ghent, underwent sculptural training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels from 1869 to 1879 and studied under Eugène Simonis. He won the Prize of the Belgian Academy in 1880, allowing him to travel across Germany, England, and France. His sculptures encompassed various artistic movements of his era, showcasing creativity amid neoclassicism, romanticism, realism, Italianism, symbolism, modern style, and art deco. Notably, he also collaborated with silversmith Philippe Wolfers, creating jewelry designs, and contributed to decorative pieces for the Luppens foundry.

Material : Ivory

Dimensions : 22 x 15x 2,5 cm

Period : ca. 1894.