Michael Ayrton 1921-1975
Impact, 1974
Bronze and perspex on wooden base
14 5/8 x 9 1/2 x 8 5/8 in
37 x 24 x 22 cm
37 x 24 x 22 cm
Copyright The Artist
Literature
Exhibition catalogue, Michael Ayrton: Recurring Themes and Images, Bruton, 1981, pp. 7, 60, no. 44, another cast illustrated.Dr J. Hopkins (ed.), Michael Ayrton - Ideas - Images - Reflections, Saffron Walden, 2021, p. 110, another cast illustrated.
The story of the Minotaur was a subject to which Ayrton dedicated an extensive portion of his career; alongside drawings, paintings, literature and even theatre, the artist created numerous bronze...
The story of the Minotaur was a subject to which Ayrton dedicated an extensive portion of his career; alongside drawings, paintings, literature and even theatre, the artist created numerous bronze sculptures depicting this creature. In this particular iteration, the Minotaur appears squat and comical, challenging the man across the see-through partition. The man points his hands over his head, like horns, in mock imitation of the Minotaur. There is a resemblance to the postures made by bullfighters. The man certainly looks more dominant, standing slightly taller than the man-bull, perhaps knowing that the barrier between them protects him from the repercussions of his taunts. This engenders sympathy for the Minotaur, enraged and belittled, fierce and yet impotent. The perspex helps heighten the tension between the two protagonists.
A version of this sculpture is in the Hugh Lane Collection, Dublin
A version of this sculpture is in the Hugh Lane Collection, Dublin