Uffizi Boar

With the Uffizi Boar, Adam Williams has recreated this revered woodland beast in an iconic form, continuing European artistic traditions that date back over 2000 years.

This rugged rendition of a wild boar rising to his haunches was inspired by a statue, held in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, carved in marble by unknown Hellenistic artists, who themselves were inspired by the Calydonian Boar in Greek Mythology. Sent by the goddess Artemis to ravage the Greek countryside, this classical creature was hunted by heroes and gods alike.

After its discovery in Rome in 1556, that ancient statue was presented to the Medici, who governed Florence for over 300 years. The boar became synonymous with the family name when they commissioned il Porcellino – a bronze fountain based on the Roman piece, created in around 1634.

In both Greek mythology and wider European traditions, the boar represents courage, ferocity, determination and the unpredictability of nature. All these qualities are captured in Adam’s castings of this characterful creature. Is he rising to retreat, ready to stand his ground, or about to rush a pursuer and cause havoc?

The Uffizi Boar is available as a single statue, or as a matching pair in dexter and sinister. According to Italian folklore, rubbing the nose of the Uffizi Boar will bring you luck.