The Farnese Bull (Italian: Toro Farnese), formerly in the Farnese collection in Rome, is a massive Roman elaborated copy of a Hellenistic sculpture. It is the largest single sculpture yet recovered from antiquity.

Mar 21, 2023 · Surely one of the most remarkable Classical sculptures is the Farnese Bull. A massive sculpture in white marble that depicts the terrifying moment when two brothers tie a woman to a raging bull as punishment for the woman’s ill treatment of their mother.

Oct 29, 2015 · The “Farnese Bull” is attributed by Pliny the Elder to Apollonius of Tralles, a Greek sculptor of the second century BC, an important period in the history of Hellenistic sculpture. He worked on it with his brother Tauriscus on the island of Rhodes. The group represents Zethus and Amphion tying Dirce to the horns of a wild bull.

Oct 18, 2024 · One of the highlights to see in the marvelous National Museum of Archaeology in Naples is the Farnese Bull, the largest sculpture carved from a single block of marble that …

Sep 24, 2012 · Up until earlier this year, however, I was not familiar with the “Farnese Bull” (shown above). This sculpture, which was excavated in 1545, was soon placed in the Palazzo Farnese as part of the collection of Pope Paul III (formerly Cardinal Alessandro Farnese).

The Farnese collection is probably the most famous among Roman antiquities collections and it is fully rooted in the Renaissance milieu.

The Farnese Bull is a monumental marble sculpture that exemplifies the artistic achievements of the Hellenistic period through its Roman adaptation. Its dramatic depiction of the mythological punishment of Dirce, combined with its intricate details and dynamic composition, makes it a masterpiece of ancient art.

Mar 26, 2025 · Discovered in the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, the Farnese Bull became part of the Farnese Collection before being transferred to Naples, where it continues to captivate visitors. The sculpture depicts a dramatic moment from Greek mythology, the punishment of Dirce.

The Farnese Bull is a massive sculpture attributed to the Rhodian artists Apollonius of Tralles and his brother Tauriscus. It is widely consisidered the largest single sculpture ever recovered from antiquity.

Apr 20, 2025 · The subject, taken from Greek legend, shows the punishment of Dirce, who for her cruelty to Antiope was tied to the horns of a bull by Antiope's sons (Dirce's stepsons) and trampled to death.