Trapezophoros
This sculpture from the 2nd century A.D. is a trapezophoros, a sculpted support for a table or wall console. Rubens used this image as an inspiration when sketching images of the standing Christ child.
Unknown artist
Trapezophoros
Greece or Asia Minor, 2nd century
Marble
Can be seen in the Rijksmuseum voor Oudheden (Leiden)
Rubens owned the Trapezophoros for eight years. As a collector's item, but also as a working instrument. The unique specimen from the 2nd century has raised a lot of questions among researchers. Where did it come from? And what exactly does it mean?
A God of Spring, or Evening Star?
A Trapezophoros is a luxuriously carved support for a wall console or table. This example from the 2nd century A.D. came into Rubens' possession in 1618. He purchased it from British collector Dudley Carleton, who had previously acquired it in Venice.
Greece or Asia Minor? The exact origin is not known for sure. The meaning of the work is also uncertain. With his torch and basket full of flowers and fruit, the boy represents the light and flowering of spring. In turn, an inscription from 1600 refers to Hesperus, the symbol of the Evening Star.
Model for Christ
What is certain is that Rubens used the marble 'leg' as a model. Despite its pagan origins, the figure was a source of inspiration when he painted the standing Christ children, as in The Adoration of the Magi. Rubens bought and sold art as the opportunity arose. He sold the sculpture to the Duke of Buckingham in 1626.
