The sculpture depicts a small, ornate triangular structure resembling a box with a circular opening at the top front. The exterior is adorned with decorative reliefs, including a central face with detailed wavy hair and laurel embellishments around it, and winged cherub-like figures at the top triangle's edges. The sculpture is predominantly dark brown with a metallic finish, suggesting it is made of bronze or a similar metal. The structure stands on small spherical feet, giving it an elevated presence. The design and intricate patterns suggest a classical influence, capturing viewers' attention with its detailed motifs and the craftsmanship of its metallic surface.
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The sculpture depicts a small, ornate triangular structure resembling a box with a circular opening at the top front. The exterior is adorned with decorative reliefs, including a central face with detailed wavy hair and laurel embellishments around it, and winged cherub-like figures at the top triangle's edges. The sculpture is predominantly dark brown with a metallic finish, suggesting it is made of bronze or a similar metal. The structure stands on small spherical feet, giving it an elevated presence. The design and intricate patterns suggest a classical influence, capturing viewers' attention with its detailed motifs and the craftsmanship of its metallic surface.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

A Sand-Box

Paduan 16th Century

Date
c. 1500
Medium
bronze//Black lacquer over medium brown bronze
Dimensions
overall: 8 x 10.6 x 9.4 cm (3 1/8 x 4 3/16 x 3 11/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture · Utilitarian Object
Accession number
1957.14.62
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Paduan
  • classical
  • mythology
  • Renaissance
  • Female head
  • European Small Bronzes before 1900
  • Medusa head
  • Harpies
Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his estate; purchased 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); purchased 1945 by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York; gift 1957 to NGA.

NGA object ID 43782. 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.