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The sculpture depicts a figure engaged in a dynamic pose, with their head turned and looking downward. The hair of the figure is detailed with a leafy or floral adornment. The figure clutches an object reminiscent of a staff or scepter. The subject's garment flows intricately around, creating a sense of movement. The sculpture is crafted from a dark, metallic material, likely bronze, with a greenish patina. The bronze relief work presents a sophisticated level of detail with smooth, finely worked surfaces and delicate textural elements, positioned in slightly more than shoulder relief.
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The sculpture depicts a figure engaged in a dynamic pose, with their head turned and looking downward. The hair of the figure is detailed with a leafy or floral adornment. The figure clutches an object reminiscent of a staff or scepter. The subject's garment flows intricately around, creating a sense of movement. The sculpture is crafted from a dark, metallic material, likely bronze, with a greenish patina. The bronze relief work presents a sophisticated level of detail with smooth, finely worked surfaces and delicate textural elements, positioned in slightly more than shoulder relief.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

A Bacchante

Master of the Martelli Mirror

Date
late 15th or early 16th century
Medium
bronze//Dark brown patina over light bronze
Dimensions
overall (oval): 11.01 x 8.48 cm (4 5/16 x 3 5/16 in.) gross weight: 231.95 gr (0.511 lb.)
Classification
Sculpture · Plaquette
Accession number
1957.14.129
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • classical
  • mythology
  • Renaissance
  • Renaissance Plaquettes
  • Mantuan
  • Bacchante
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 43849. 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.