The second sculpture is epic and powerful. That man is a proud, unyielding, brave soldier. He would rather arrogantly take his own life than be a slave to the enemy.
@@ginacrusco234 The Gauls were actually known (and scorned by the Romans) for having relative gender equality in their society. Women could own property and voice cause for divorce, and in recent years there's been academic conversation that the Gaulish religious order which governed their society, the Druids, might have had both male and female members. Sure, a modern take could be that he's destroying her. But remember that if their enemies took her, she would have been a 'barbarian' slave thrown a the mercy of a society where fathers could legally murder their daughters if they so choose (Rome). Imagine what they might do to the women of their conquered enemies. Given that choice, for all we know she would have asked him to kill her, so she could die free and by the hand of someone who loved her. Also keep in mind that this is sculpture was made by a society which also didn't have a favorable view of women and wives (Ancient Greece). I'm willing to bet if Gaulish hands had created that sculpture, it would have a much different composition and body language present. You didn't specify which culture you were commenting on, but I thought it worth pointing out the distinction on behalf of the Gauls as it's not something that's really discussed.
I love this video so much I have watched it six times, seven times as I write this comment. :) thank you so much to the makers of these videos, they are so enriching and emotion provoking.
So the Gods are just surrounding him and they do nothing to save him? They just watch instead of doing anything in their power to help, a nice statement in itself.
There are statements around many of monuments, and human representations derived from ancient antiquities, they believed it around the "Gods and Heroes" addressed to the Greece Cultural Heritage. I love all the dramatic subjects showed up in those statues 👏👏👏 thank you Smarthistory!
@@Catubrannos Plus the Hellenistic period, did not remove the humanism of classical Greek works. Rather it moved from the idealistic form to the display of emotions. Gods were not the focus.
Why would Romans depict their own enemies (now defeated) in such an artistic and thoughtful way shown as dying somewhat noble deaths ..... a form of respect perhaps, a way we should all view our enemies why put up a great fight ?
it has a greek origin, Celts or Gauls invaded Asia Minor and established kingdoms in Galatia, looting and pillaging surrounding Hellinistic Greek kingdoms, Pergamon being one of the richest. When one of Pergamon's king definatily beat the Galatians ( as these Celts got called) he erected this monument and infused it wth a kind of "Noble Savagery" The Romans would not do that, because to them the Gauls were the ancient threath to early Rome, they were barbaric savages and Italy north of the Arno and Rubicon was not considered proper Italia at all but Gallia this side of the Alpes. The only value a Gaul had to them was as a slave or a gladiator. It was not the noble savage they admired, it was the Greek art. They collected it like the rich collect Rembrands, not because they like it that much, but because "it's a Rembrand"
@@kamion53 You are wrong. Romans also showed respect to the Gauls and their warrior culture. The Romans also wrote many flattering things about Hannibal who almost destroyed Rome.
Now I know what a torc is! Per a search, some of them are quite elaborate and lovely. I might even prefer them to traditional necklaces. As for the Ludovisi Gaul... it is difficult indeed. Seeing them together, I'd think about the different approaches we can have to adversity.
There's a lot of cheap versions out there, but if you can find a quality artist, they look and feel awesome to wear. My current torc is made out of a pretty thick wire and has a noticeable weight when wear it--it's not uncomfortable, it just feels really sturdy and grounding (Which also makes it less to drift off center from your collarbones). You can definitely see why they would be worn as status symbols in a warrior society.
@@TheWizardYeof Right? They're awesome! But a lot of people are curious and ask me about my torc, which gives a good opportunity to share the good word. Who knows, if enough of us weirdos wear them loud and proud, maybe they'll get picked up by more folks some day. I've got two I own as well. One that's more sleek that can just slip under my shirt collar on days I feel like being subtle--and a thick-wired brass one that is kind of hard to ignore, haha. I love the weight of it though, like I mentioned in my above comment, there's a real presence I can feel wearing it, and can totally see why it was worn as a sign of distinguishment.
when is a sculpture belong to anthropological or archaeological museum vs an art gallery, like capitoline or altemps vs galleria borghese or doria pamphlij sorry spelling. do you have videos on those, marmottan, gemaeldegalerie alte or neue meister dresden, or green vault? or from capodimonte naples, castello sforzesco milan,
it's a good question... you don't often see Greek/Roman sculptures in natural history museums and the galleries for non-Greek/Roman cultures in famous art museums sometimes aren't as dignified as those for classical sculptures but the MET for instance seems pretty fair: only the central hall for classical art is fancy (and iconic), the rest of the rooms are pretty plain. In fact, it's the exhibits for the art of other cultures which are getting the fanciest upgrades.
Hellenistic Baroque...I was not familiar with this term....perfect. One wonders what the other sculptures in this series might have been like...and if a complete story might have told by them.
How is it that there is knowledge of an earlier existing Greek bronze? And why would the Greeks have created such a statue when they had no warfare with the Gauls?
celtic people existed in anatolia (turkey) and they probably were in war with greeks, celtic is a culture, all celts used a torc around their neck, in anatolia, in britain or in gaul (france) that's why roman used this sculpture to represent the gauls
I've always thought the Suicidal Gaul looked more like the Captured Dacians from Trajan's forum in appearance, obviously the Gauls are in a Hellenistic style whereas the Dacians aren't so much.
I understand, but was the base added to this specific statue? Because the sword is definitely 15th century and I can find nothing about it, as if no one has ever noticed.
The base was added in the 17th century which means the shield and trumpets are likely not part of the original either. Which makes sense, he's the only one of the Pergamene group that has a torc which marks him out as of higher status than the rest of them.
The second sculpture is epic and powerful. That man is a proud, unyielding, brave soldier. He would rather arrogantly take his own life than be a slave to the enemy.
...and his wife, as his possession, is destroyed along with him.
@@ginacrusco234 The Gauls were actually known (and scorned by the Romans) for having relative gender equality in their society. Women could own property and voice cause for divorce, and in recent years there's been academic conversation that the Gaulish religious order which governed their society, the Druids, might have had both male and female members.
Sure, a modern take could be that he's destroying her. But remember that if their enemies took her, she would have been a 'barbarian' slave thrown a the mercy of a society where fathers could legally murder their daughters if they so choose (Rome). Imagine what they might do to the women of their conquered enemies. Given that choice, for all we know she would have asked him to kill her, so she could die free and by the hand of someone who loved her.
Also keep in mind that this is sculpture was made by a society which also didn't have a favorable view of women and wives (Ancient Greece). I'm willing to bet if Gaulish hands had created that sculpture, it would have a much different composition and body language present.
You didn't specify which culture you were commenting on, but I thought it worth pointing out the distinction on behalf of the Gauls as it's not something that's really discussed.
@@ginacrusco234or possibly he’d rather not allow her to be enslaved by the Romans.
A deep and amazing insight of classical sculture as always
Well the raid is a classics franchise
incredible to think about the masters that made these sculptures. their technique and skill. This amazes me
I love this video so much I have watched it six times, seven times as I write this comment. :) thank you so much to the makers of these videos, they are so enriching and emotion provoking.
We are glad you enjoyed it, thank you for reaching out. Be sure to visit smarthistory.org to find all of our videos and essays.
Amazing video as always. Thank you for your work!
I love this- it's the best on the internet this is like Kenneth Clark- you should be viral and need more marketing- SEO stuff.
thanks so much for this, I literally didn't understand anything on my art lessons
Great insights! Keep up the great work and interesting content!
love these videos
Interesting how everything took an abstract turn at the start of the gothic period in Rome.
So the Gods are just surrounding him and they do nothing to save him? They just watch instead of doing anything in their power to help, a nice statement in itself.
There are statements around many of monuments, and human representations derived from ancient antiquities, they believed it around the "Gods and Heroes" addressed to the Greece Cultural Heritage. I love all the dramatic subjects showed up in those statues 👏👏👏 thank you Smarthistory!
Not really, they're classical gods of the Greeks and Romans, the Gaul was not one of their worshipers.
@@Catubrannos Plus the Hellenistic period, did not remove the humanism of classical Greek works. Rather it moved from the idealistic form to the display of emotions. Gods were not the focus.
Feels like listening to Hypnos and Hecate. 😍
To think that the Gauls/Celts scared the Romans so much. Vae Victis
Was he depicted in the nude to show form like most of the greek sculptures, or because some of the Gaelic tribes fought naked?
I would think the former, it’s a mildly contentious subject as to whether or not they fought naked, but I think it’s far from unlikely.
Very cool video!
Why would Romans depict their own enemies (now defeated) in such an artistic and thoughtful way shown as dying somewhat noble deaths ..... a form of respect perhaps, a way we should all view our enemies why put up a great fight ?
it has a greek origin, Celts or Gauls invaded Asia Minor and established kingdoms in Galatia, looting and pillaging surrounding Hellinistic Greek kingdoms, Pergamon being one of the richest. When one of Pergamon's king definatily beat the Galatians ( as these Celts got called) he erected this monument and infused it wth a kind of "Noble Savagery"
The Romans would not do that, because to them the Gauls were the ancient threath to early Rome, they were barbaric savages and Italy north of the Arno and Rubicon was not considered proper Italia at all but Gallia this side of the Alpes. The only value a Gaul had to them was as a slave or a gladiator.
It was not the noble savage they admired, it was the Greek art. They collected it like the rich collect Rembrands, not because they like it that much, but because "it's a Rembrand"
Yes, the Romans showed respect to their Germanic or Celtic enemies.
@@kamion53 You are wrong. Romans also showed respect to the Gauls and their warrior culture. The Romans also wrote many flattering things about Hannibal who almost destroyed Rome.
@@kamion53 It's so complicated. Where can I find this historical document?
Now I know what a torc is! Per a search, some of them are quite elaborate and lovely. I might even prefer them to traditional necklaces. As for the Ludovisi Gaul... it is difficult indeed. Seeing them together, I'd think about the different approaches we can have to adversity.
I wish torcs were more well known! I own two, and I wear one to work and around town every day
There's a lot of cheap versions out there, but if you can find a quality artist, they look and feel awesome to wear. My current torc is made out of a pretty thick wire and has a noticeable weight when wear it--it's not uncomfortable, it just feels really sturdy and grounding (Which also makes it less to drift off center from your collarbones). You can definitely see why they would be worn as status symbols in a warrior society.
@@TheWizardYeof Right? They're awesome! But a lot of people are curious and ask me about my torc, which gives a good opportunity to share the good word. Who knows, if enough of us weirdos wear them loud and proud, maybe they'll get picked up by more folks some day.
I've got two I own as well. One that's more sleek that can just slip under my shirt collar on days I feel like being subtle--and a thick-wired brass one that is kind of hard to ignore, haha. I love the weight of it though, like I mentioned in my above comment, there's a real presence I can feel wearing it, and can totally see why it was worn as a sign of distinguishment.
Brilliant. Thank you so much for your videos :)
when is a sculpture belong to anthropological or archaeological museum vs an art gallery, like capitoline or altemps vs galleria borghese or doria pamphlij sorry spelling. do you have videos on those, marmottan, gemaeldegalerie alte or neue meister dresden, or green vault? or from capodimonte naples, castello sforzesco milan,
We have works from some, though not all of those sites. We are starting to organized by location, have a look here: smarthistory.org/locations/
it's a good question... you don't often see Greek/Roman sculptures in natural history museums
and the galleries for non-Greek/Roman cultures in famous art museums sometimes aren't as dignified as those for classical sculptures
but the MET for instance seems pretty fair: only the central hall for classical art is fancy (and iconic), the rest of the rooms are pretty plain. In fact, it's the exhibits for the art of other cultures which are getting the fanciest upgrades.
Hellenistic Baroque...I was not familiar with this term....perfect. One wonders what the other sculptures in this series might have been like...and if a complete story might have told by them.
Try as I might, I can't envision a narrative connection between these two works.
It is an interesting, challenging, exercise to try and imagine them in a unified grouping.
How is it that there is knowledge of an earlier existing Greek bronze?
And why would the Greeks have created such a statue when they had no warfare with the Gauls?
celtic people existed in anatolia (turkey) and they probably were in war with greeks, celtic is a culture, all celts used a torc around their neck, in anatolia, in britain or in gaul (france) that's why roman used this sculpture to represent the gauls
I've always thought the Suicidal Gaul looked more like the Captured Dacians from Trajan's forum in appearance, obviously the Gauls are in a Hellenistic style whereas the Dacians aren't so much.
The sword lying beside the Gaul is a 15th century sword, has this been restored? Or is this a 15th century fake?
Bases were commonly added to ancient sculpture in the early modern era.
I understand, but was the base added to this specific statue? Because the sword is definitely 15th century and I can find nothing about it, as if no one has ever noticed.
The sources you'd need to refer to are in monographs and academic journals. I'd start with Jstor. I do seem to remember that the base is an addition.
I’ll read up on that, thank you.
The base was added in the 17th century which means the shield and trumpets are likely not part of the original either. Which makes sense, he's the only one of the Pergamene group that has a torc which marks him out as of higher status than the rest of them.
this channel doesnt have the views its deserve
It's Larry Bird!