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The statue depicts a Gaulish man or Galatian Celt who has just killed his wife and is holding her lifeless body in one arm and a sword in another, in an attempt to commit suicide.The sculpture is considered a good example of Hellenistic art because of its dramatic characteristics. The postures of the characters are exaggerated and their bodies contort in every way. Each limb is spread out in different directions, which gives the feeling that the figures are coming to life. The statue is dramatic in many ways and represents what is known as Hellenistic Baroque art. Hellenistic sculptures used three main characteristics into their work to create a more lifelike aesthetic. They did this by incorporating expressive movement, realistic anatomy, and ornate details.
The fluid motion of the bodies can be seen in how the man's arm flows in a serpentine motion into the woman's arm.When viewing this sculpture from the front, the man's face is only visible in profile. If the viewers move to the side of the statue, they can see his face but no longer the sword. He looks away as if he is ashamed of his defeat. There is blood dripping from where the sword meets his chest. The dramatic posture of the bodies and spread limbs are very commonly found in Hellenistic art.
Galatian Gaulish Hellenistic Hellenistic Baroque art Gaul Celt Hellenistic art