The sculpture resembles a traditional oil lamp with intricate detailing. It is primarily dark bronze in color, indicating a metal composition, likely bronze or a similar alloy. The lamp features carvings of human figures and possibly mythological scenes in relief. The handle and spout are elaborately designed, with the handle displaying flowing or swirling patterns and the spout showcasing floral or scrolling designs. The bottom of the lamp has engraved markings. The craftsmanship and design suggest a historic or antique nature reminiscent of classical or ancient artifacts.
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The sculpture resembles a traditional oil lamp with intricate detailing. It is primarily dark bronze in color, indicating a metal composition, likely bronze or a similar alloy. The lamp features carvings of human figures and possibly mythological scenes in relief. The handle and spout are elaborately designed, with the handle displaying flowing or swirling patterns and the spout showcasing floral or scrolling designs. The bottom of the lamp has engraved markings. The craftsmanship and design suggest a historic or antique nature reminiscent of classical or ancient artifacts.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

A Lamp

Paduan 16th Century

Date
early 16th century
Medium
bronze//Medium brown bronze
Dimensions
overall: 3.25 x 14.94 x 5.47 cm (1 1/4 x 5 7/8 x 2 1/8 in.) gross weight: 170.88 gr (0.377 lb.)
Classification
Sculpture · Utilitarian Object
Accession number
1957.14.69
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • mixed motif
  • Paduan
  • Renaissance
  • European Small Bronzes before 1900
  • Palmette
  • Ichthyocentaurs
  • Nymphs
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.

Inscription

cast incuse on underside of base: [leaf] / C.I.C. / IOMS / [leaf] [1]

Marks

Underside of base bears former inventory marks D 129 in red paint (Dreyfus) and C.63 in lighter red paint (Ricci 1931).

NGA object ID 43789. 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.