The sculpture depicts a detailed scene with multiple figures in an intricate composition. The central figures include a reclining figure with curly hair and a standing figure with exaggerated muscles and the lower body of a goat. They are interacting with a cloth, revealing a child figure between them. Smaller figures with human upper bodies and serpentine tails are also visible at the bottom corners. The sculpture is in a rich dark brown color typical of bronze, giving it a smooth appearance. It is set into a rectangular plaque, creating a three-dimensional effect for the viewer.
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The sculpture depicts a detailed scene with multiple figures in an intricate composition. The central figures include a reclining figure with curly hair and a standing figure with exaggerated muscles and the lower body of a goat. They are interacting with a cloth, revealing a child figure between them. Smaller figures with human upper bodies and serpentine tails are also visible at the bottom corners. The sculpture is in a rich dark brown color typical of bronze, giving it a smooth appearance. It is set into a rectangular plaque, creating a three-dimensional effect for the viewer.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

A Satyr Uncovering a Nymph

Andrea Briosco, called Riccio

Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall: 6.07 × 7.2 cm (2 3/8 × 2 13/16 in.) gross weight: 111.81 gr (0.246 lb.)
Classification
Sculpture · Plaquette
Accession number
1957.14.243
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Paduan
  • classical
  • mythology
  • Satyr
  • Renaissance
  • Renaissance Plaquettes
  • Nymph
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.

Marks

Reverse bears earlier-style NGA accession number in red paint.

NGA object ID 43966. 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.