Skip to main content
Artist/Maker
Donald De Lue
(American, 1897 - 1988)
Date1931, cast 1986
MediumBronze on marble base
DimensionsOverall: 24 3/4 × 18 1/2 × 7 1/4 in. (62.9 × 47 × 18.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of D. Roger Howlett, Class of 1966
Object number2020.11.3
Not on view
DescriptionDonald De Lue was an important figure in the American Art Deco movement of the 1930s and ’40s, which was characterized by a use of industrial materials; a focus on finish; the fusion of traditional and classical motifs; and subjects with geometric forms derived from Cubism. Although De Lue was commissioned to create major public statues and architectural elements, he also designed smaller sculptures like this one. He was especially skilled in rendering anatomy; this example reflects his expert understanding of muscle, form, and movement, in particular. The bull’s fuller, rounder, and more stylized form reflects a shift from strictly classical imagery towards a more modern style. The artist drew from Classical mythology to add a symbolic layer to his work. The subject of this sculpture is derived from an ancient Greek myth in which the god Zeus, also known as Jupiter, disguised himself as a bull in order to trick and capture the goddess Europa.
Collections
Additional Details
Alternate Titles
The Bull
Jupiter
Jupiter
Exhibition History
2024-2025
Clinton, NY. The Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Menagerie: Animals in Art from the Wellin Museum," September 7, 2024 –June 8, 2025 (no cat.).
2015
Clinton, NY. Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Seek and Find," September 1, 2015 - ongoing (no cat., brochure).
2012
Clinton, NY. Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Archive Hall: Art and Artifacts," October 6, 2012 - Present (no cat.).
Clinton, NY. The Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Menagerie: Animals in Art from the Wellin Museum," September 7, 2024 –June 8, 2025 (no cat.).
2015
Clinton, NY. Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Seek and Find," September 1, 2015 - ongoing (no cat., brochure).
2012
Clinton, NY. Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, Hamilton College. "Archive Hall: Art and Artifacts," October 6, 2012 - Present (no cat.).
Provenance
2020: Hamilton College (Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art) by gift of D. Roger Howlett, Class of 1966;
1989: Hamilton College (Fred L. Emerson Gallery), on loan from D. Roger Howlett;
1989: D. Roger Howlett, by gift from John P. Axelrod.
1989: Hamilton College (Fred L. Emerson Gallery), on loan from D. Roger Howlett;
1989: D. Roger Howlett, by gift from John P. Axelrod.
Markings
Incised on back of base at upper right: [symbol; T superimposed over X]
Signature
Signed and dated by incision on back of base at upper right: De Lue / Sc 1931 / ©1986; Editioned by incision in back of base at upper right: 6/15
Christoph Jamnitzer
Date: published 1610 (possibly printed later)
Medium: Engraving
Object number: 1928.11
Antonio da Trento
Date: c. 1527-1531
Medium: Chiaroscuro woodcut from two blocks (pale green and black)
Object number: 1992.24
Antoine-Louis Barye
Date: modeled c. 1832
Medium: Bronze
Object number: 1994.21
Antoine-Louis Barye
Date: c. 1895 (first cast c. 1860)
Medium: Bronze
Object number: 1994.17
Antoine-Louis Barye
Date: first cast 1857
Medium: Bronze
Object number: 1994.26
Antoine-Louis Barye
Date: first cast c. 1874
Medium: Bronze
Object number: 1994.32
Antoine-Louis Barye
Date: first cast c. 1840
Medium: Bronze
Object number: 1994.35
Antoine-Louis Barye
Date: first cast 1857
Medium: Bronze
Object number: 1994.14
Antoine-Louis Barye
Date: first cast c. 1874
Medium: Bronze
Object number: 1994.33