The image shows a bust sculpture of a human figure within an ornate niche. The bust features a figure with long hair, draped in a garment covering the shoulders, depicted in a monochrome engraving style. The niche surrounding the bust is decorated with carved patterns, including scroll-like motifs at the top and curved lines framing the figure. The presentation gives the sculpture a classical appearance and a sense of importance or reverence. Detailed hatching in the engraving adds depth and shading, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the sculpture and its niche.
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The image shows a bust sculpture of a human figure within an ornate niche. The bust features a figure with long hair, draped in a garment covering the shoulders, depicted in a monochrome engraving style. The niche surrounding the bust is decorated with carved patterns, including scroll-like motifs at the top and curved lines framing the figure. The presentation gives the sculpture a classical appearance and a sense of importance or reverence. Detailed hatching in the engraving adds depth and shading, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the sculpture and its niche.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Architectural Motif with a Bust

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

Date
c. 1690
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 11.3 x 9.2 cm (4 7/16 x 3 5/8 in.) sheet: 16.7 x 12.2 cm (6 9/16 x 4 13/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1997.10.3
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1651 to 1700
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Vari Capricii di Fughe Inventate et intagliate da Carlo Buffagnotti

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • etching
  • detail and ornament
  • architecture
  • male
  • figure
  • Bust
Provenance

(Bernard Quaritch Ltd.); purchased by NGA, 1997.

Inscription

by later hand, lower right in graphite: Buffagnotti di / Bologna

NGA object ID 102369. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.