Bellerophon and Pegasus

Paul Manship American
1930
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 774
For this small bronze Manship relied on the exploits of a youthful hero from Greek mythology, Bellerophon, and the immortal flying horse, Pegasus. With the aid of a golden bridle provided by Athena, Bellerophon was able to master the spirited steed, which had sprung from Medusa's severed head and was the bearer of Zeus's lightning bolts. In Manship's sculpture a sturdy nude male strains to steady the winged horse with muscular flanks.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bellerophon and Pegasus
  • Artist: Paul Manship (American, St. Paul, Minnesota 1885–1966 New York)
  • Date: 1930
  • Medium: Bronze, gilt, lapis lazuli
  • Dimensions: 5 x 4 5/8 x 4 3/4 in. (12.7 x 11.7 x 12.1 cm)
    Base: 1 1/4 x 3 7/8 x 3 in. (3.2 x 9.8 7.6 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Thelma Williams Gill, 1988
  • Object Number: 1988.416
  • Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art

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