The sculpture depicts a bust of a person with a serene expression and shoulder-length wavy hair. The character is adorned with intricately detailed armor, which features a central motif of a grotesque face surrounded by floral patterns in gold. The armor is primarily a dark, muted hue, accented with red sleeves that resemble fabric folds, and two horse-like figures on the shoulders. The sculpture is created from what appears to be a painted, textured material, providing a realistic yet stylized representation of a historical or mythological figure. The face contrasts with the darker tones of the armor, enhancing the lifelike appearance of the sculpture.
Read the visual description

The sculpture depicts a bust of a person with a serene expression and shoulder-length wavy hair. The character is adorned with intricately detailed armor, which features a central motif of a grotesque face surrounded by floral patterns in gold. The armor is primarily a dark, muted hue, accented with red sleeves that resemble fabric folds, and two horse-like figures on the shoulders. The sculpture is created from what appears to be a painted, textured material, providing a realistic yet stylized representation of a historical or mythological figure. The face contrasts with the darker tones of the armor, enhancing the lifelike appearance of the sculpture.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

A Man in Armor

Vincenzo Onofri

Date
c. 1500
Medium
painted and gilded terracotta
Dimensions
overall: 63 x 50 x 29 cm (24 13/16 x 19 11/16 x 11 7/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture · Bust
Accession number
1942.9.106
Credit line
Widener Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Anonymous
  • male
  • portrait
  • Bolognese
  • European Sculpture 1300-1800
  • Renaissance
Provenance

(Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); purchased 2 June 1908 by Peter A.B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania;[1] inheritance from Estate of Peter A.B. Widener by gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; gift 1942 to NGA. [1] According to Widener collection cards in NGA curatorial records.

NGA object ID 1245. 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.