This bronze sculpture by Antoine Bourdelle (Montauban, 1861 - 1929, Le Vésinet) is a copy from the original model created in 1909. Between 1905 and 1912, Bourdelle worked on a figure of Penelope, the wife of Ulysses, whilst waiting patiently for the return of his wife. Antiquity was a major inspiration for Boudelle and lead for him to renovate his style and the creation of new works to come after him in the 20th Century.

This Penelope follows the style of classic Greek antique sculpture in a 'Hanchée' position, a sort of contraposto, and stands in the form and is draped much like a caryatid (a kind of sculpture which would serve as a pillar but in the shape of a woman); she has the attitude of a Tanagra (The Tanagra figurines were a mold-cast type of Greek terracotta figurines produced from the later fourth century BCE, primarily in the Boeotian town of Tanagra). She has a simple form that is easy on the eye, a posture similar to indian sculpture which Bourdelle was a great admirer of.  Her curvature resembles old gothic Parisian sculptures from the XIV Century. These knowing references are put together in a mordern and geometric style; slightly cubic, old works in modern times.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.