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Tantalus Collection

"Tantalus: A Timeless Symbol of Temptation and Torment" In the intricate world of art and literature, it has captivated minds for centuries

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus, engraved by Giulio Sanuto, c. 1550s (engraving)

Tantalus, engraved by Giulio Sanuto, c. 1550s (engraving)
XJF472234 Tantalus, engraved by Giulio Sanuto, c.1550s (engraving) by Titian (Tiziano Vecelli) (c.1488-1576) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus, 17th century (engraving)

Tantalus, 17th century (engraving)
3480577 Tantalus, 17th century (engraving); (add.info.: Tantalus. Engraving from 'Tableaux du temple des muses' (1655) by Michel de Marolles (1600 - 1681)

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus, 1588. Creator: Hendrik Goltzius

Tantalus, 1588. Creator: Hendrik Goltzius
Tantalus, 1588. Series: The Disgracers, pl. 1

Background imageTantalus Collection: Prométhée modelant le premier homme, composition provenant de l'atrium de la maison... c1860

Prométhée modelant le premier homme, composition provenant de l'atrium de la maison... c1860
Promethee modelant le premier homme, composition provenant de l'atrium de la maison pompeienne du prince Napoleon, c1860

Background imageTantalus Collection: The Palais du Temps. Scenery for the prologue of 'Atys', lyrical tragedy by Lully, c1708

The Palais du Temps. Scenery for the prologue of "Atys", lyrical tragedy by Lully, c1708

Background imageTantalus Collection: Sunset, Honolulu, Hawaii

Sunset, Honolulu, Hawaii

Background imageTantalus Collection: Manoa Valley houses, Honolulu, Hawaii

Manoa Valley houses, Honolulu, Hawaii

Background imageTantalus Collection: Waikiki Beach hotels, Honolulu, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach hotels, Honolulu, Hawaii

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus, ca. 1557-70. Creator: Giulio Sanuto

Tantalus, ca. 1557-70. Creator: Giulio Sanuto
Tantalus, ca. 1557-70

Background imageTantalus Collection: Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus

Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (Bay ibis, Tantalus falcinellus). Handcoloured copperplate engraving by James Sowerby from The British Miscellany, or Coloured figures of new, rare

Background imageTantalus Collection: Black-faced ibis, Theristicus melanopis

Black-faced ibis, Theristicus melanopis (Tantalus melanops). Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by John Latham from his own A General History of Birds, Winchester, 1824

Background imageTantalus Collection: Types of hydraulics systems and pumps

Types of hydraulics systems and pumps: Persian wheel or sakia, Tantalus or Pythagorean cup, Ctesibiuss ancient pump, and sucking, forcing, lifting and chain pumps

Background imageTantalus Collection: A Victorian die cut Christmas card of three crystal decanters in a tantalus, c

A Victorian die cut Christmas card of three crystal decanters in a tantalus, c
3605986 A Victorian die cut Christmas card of three crystal decanters in a tantalus, c.1880 (colour litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; Photo eDavid Pearson; English

Background imageTantalus Collection: Trade Catalogue for Tantalus frames 1930

Trade Catalogue for Tantalus frames 1930
A choice of fumed oak, mahogany and Princes plate Tantalus frames with finely cut glass decanter bottles and a elegant mahogany or oak cocktail table completely fitted with English cut-glass

Background imageTantalus Collection: Advert for Mappin & Webb luxury items 1916

Advert for Mappin & Webb luxury items 1916
Varity of sterling silver luxury Christmas gifts for the homefront. 1916

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus (engraving)

Tantalus (engraving)
663019 Tantalus (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Tantalus. Illustration from History of Rome by Victor Duruy (Kegan Paul, Trench & Co, 1884)

Background imageTantalus Collection: Somnus, Sisyphus, Ixion, Tantalus (engraving)

Somnus, Sisyphus, Ixion, Tantalus (engraving)
5233556 Somnus, Sisyphus, Ixion, Tantalus (engraving) by European School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Somnus, Sisyphus, Ixion)

Background imageTantalus Collection: A Victorian die cut mechanical Christmas card of a tantalus with three crystal decanters

A Victorian die cut mechanical Christmas card of a tantalus with three crystal decanters
3604554 A Victorian die cut mechanical Christmas card of a tantalus with three crystal decanters in it, c.1880 (colour litho) by English School

Background imageTantalus Collection: A Hukin & Heath electroplated Tantalus with ebonised bar handle, 1879

A Hukin & Heath electroplated Tantalus with ebonised bar handle, 1879
1764769 A Hukin & Heath electroplated Tantalus with ebonised bar handle, 1879 by Dresser, Christopher (1834-1904); 28 high cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageTantalus Collection: Homers Odyssey (engraving)

Homers Odyssey (engraving)
961857 Homers Odyssey (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Pictorial Atlas to Homers Iliad and Odyssey (Grevel, 1892)

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus at left speaking to Diana at right, set within an elaborate frame, from the L

Tantalus at left speaking to Diana at right, set within an elaborate frame, from the Loves, Rages and Jealousies of Juno, 1531-76

Background imageTantalus Collection: Apollo and Diana Punishing Niobe by Killing her Children, ca 1541. Creator: Tintoretto

Apollo and Diana Punishing Niobe by Killing her Children, ca 1541. Creator: Tintoretto
Apollo and Diana Punishing Niobe by Killing her Children, ca 1541. Found in the Collection of Galleria Estense, Modena

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus, 16th century, (1937). Artist: Guilo Sanuto

Tantalus, 16th century, (1937). Artist: Guilo Sanuto
Tantalus, 16th century, (1937). Ceiling painting for Queen Maria of Hungary. A print from Titian Paintings and Drawings, introduction by Hans Tietze, Phaidon Press, Vienna, 1937

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus torment, 1733. Artist: Bernard Picart

Tantalus torment, 1733. Artist: Bernard Picart
Tantalus torment, 1733. A plate from Le temple des Muses, Amsterdam, 1733. Found in the collection of Jean Claude Carriere

Background imageTantalus Collection: Niobe, 1881. Artist: Schafer, Henry Thomas (1854-1915)

Niobe, 1881. Artist: Schafer, Henry Thomas (1854-1915)
Niobe, 1881. From a private collection

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus, from The Four Disgracers, 1588. 1588. Creator: Hendrik Goltzius

Tantalus, from The Four Disgracers, 1588. 1588. Creator: Hendrik Goltzius
Tantalus, from The Four Disgracers, 1588

Background imageTantalus Collection: Advert for Elkington & Co Victorian items 1896

Advert for Elkington & Co Victorian items 1896
Advert for Elkington & Co, with Victorian household items including polished oak Tantalus with nickel plated mounts, and best cut Hobnail Quart bottles, corinthian table lamp

Background imageTantalus Collection: Sisyphus, Ixion and Tantalus. Sisyphus or Sisyphos, founder and king of Ephyra

Sisyphus, Ixion and Tantalus. Sisyphus or Sisyphos, founder and king of Ephyra, punished for cheating death twice by being made to roll a huge boulder up a hill only for it to roll down every time it

Background imageTantalus Collection: USA, Hawaii, Oahu, Diamond Head And Waikiki From Tantalus; Waikiki

USA, Hawaii, Oahu, Diamond Head And Waikiki From Tantalus; Waikiki

Background imageTantalus Collection: USA, Hawaii, Oahu, Waikiki, Diamond Head And Waikiki Seen From Tantalus; Tantalus

USA, Hawaii, Oahu, Waikiki, Diamond Head And Waikiki Seen From Tantalus; Tantalus

Background imageTantalus Collection: USA, Hawaii, Oahu, Panoramic View Of City Buildings And Greenery From Tantalus Lookout; Honolulu

USA, Hawaii, Oahu, Panoramic View Of City Buildings And Greenery From Tantalus Lookout; Honolulu

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus Frames

Tantalus Frames
These tantalus frames and cocktail table can be locked so that your servants can t help themselves, thus saving them from the consequences of yielding to temptation. Date: 1930

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tables, Liqueur Cases and Cigar Cabinets, Plate 104. 5

Tables, Liqueur Cases and Cigar Cabinets, Plate 104. 5
Smokers Tables, Liqueur Cases and Cigar Cabinets, Plate 104.5. Date: circa 1880s

Background imageTantalus Collection: Advert for Tantalus lamps 1910

Advert for Tantalus lamps 1910
Three million Tantalus lamps are functioning in France alone - unlike modern bulbs, they never go out, they never die ! 1910

Background imageTantalus Collection: Sisyphus Tantalus 16th century Pen brown ink

Sisyphus Tantalus 16th century Pen brown ink
Artokoloro

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus left speaking Diana right set within

Tantalus left speaking Diana right set within
Artokoloro

Background imageTantalus Collection: Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746-1828). Tantalo. (Tantalus. ), 1796-1797. From Los Caprichos

Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746-1828). Tantalo. (Tantalus. ), 1796-1797. From Los Caprichos
Francisco de Goya (Spanish, 1746-1828). Tantalo. (Tantalus.), 1796-1797. From Los Caprichos, no. 9. Etching and burnished aquatint. Plate: 205 mm x 150 mm (8.07 in. x 5.91 in.)

Background imageTantalus Collection: Yellow-billed Stork. Mycteria Ibis

Yellow-billed Stork. Mycteria Ibis

Background imageTantalus Collection: Tantalus, Plate 9 of Los Caprichos

Tantalus, Plate 9 of Los Caprichos
GOYA Y LUCIENTES, Francisco de (1746-1828). Tantalus. Plate 9 of Los Caprichos, etching and burnished aquatint. Etching;

Background imageTantalus Collection: A modern tantalus

A modern tantalus. Illustration shows a man and a woman (girlfriend or wife) at a musical revue, the man is staring at a chorus girl who is temptingly standing in front of him; the mans wife or



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"Tantalus: A Timeless Symbol of Temptation and Torment" In the intricate world of art and literature, it has captivated minds for centuries. This captivating figure, depicted in various forms such as engravings by Giulio Sanuto in the 1550s or Victorian advertisements for Elkington & Co's exquisite items in 1896, continues to intrigue us with his eternal struggle. Tantalus, created by Giulio Sanuto around 1557-70, represents a tale that transcends time. Just like the glossy ibis and black-faced ibis gracefully portrayed alongside him, he embodies both beauty and suffering. His name has become synonymous with temptation - an unattainable desire forever out of reach. The tantalizing image of three crystal decanters enclosed within a tantalus on a Victorian die-cut Christmas card reminds us of our own desires during festive times. It symbolizes luxury and indulgence while simultaneously reminding us of our limitations. Even trade catalogues from 1930 showcasing tantalus frames highlight their significance as coveted possessions. These objects were not only functional but also represented status and refinement – Mappin & Webb recognized this allure when advertising their luxurious items back in 1916. But why is Tantalus so enthralling? Perhaps it is because his story resonates deeply within us all. Like Somnus, Sisyphus, Ixion – fellow figures depicted alongside him – Tantalus serves as a reminder that even gods can be tormented by their desires. His torment is immortalized through countless engravings throughout history; each stroke capturing his anguish perfectly. The engraving "Tantalus Torment" from 1731 evokes empathy as we witness his perpetual agony unfold before our eyes. Beyond its artistic representations lies another layer to explore - hydraulics systems and pumps inspired by Tantalus' predicament have been developed, showcasing the influence of this ancient myth on modern technology.