The sculpture depicts two male figures in a scene. The standing figure is wearing a turban and is holding a book, while the seated figure has a full beard and is wearing a hat, with one hand on the book and the other hand gesturing. The clothing of both figures is detailed with folds resembling flowing robes. The sculpture is cast in a brownish-gold material with a textured, aged appearance. Behind the figures are etched structures resembling buildings or castles and a tree to the right, adding depth to the scene. Text is visible along the top edge of the sculpture. The overall size of the sculpture suggests it is a relief meant to be viewed up close, with fine details highlighting the figures' expressions and attire.
Read the visual description

The sculpture depicts two male figures in a scene. The standing figure is wearing a turban and is holding a book, while the seated figure has a full beard and is wearing a hat, with one hand on the book and the other hand gesturing. The clothing of both figures is detailed with folds resembling flowing robes. The sculpture is cast in a brownish-gold material with a textured, aged appearance. Behind the figures are etched structures resembling buildings or castles and a tree to the right, adding depth to the scene. Text is visible along the top edge of the sculpture. The overall size of the sculpture suggests it is a relief meant to be viewed up close, with fine details highlighting the figures' expressions and attire.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Aristotle and Alexander of Aphrodisias

Ulocrino

Date
early 16th century
Medium
bronze//Medium brown patina (rubbed on raised surfaces)
Dimensions
overall: 7.23 × 5.6 cm (2 7/8 × 2 3/16 in.) gross weight: 79.09 gr (0.174 lb.)
Classification
Sculpture · Plaquette
Accession number
1957.14.284
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Venetian
  • Paduan
  • classical
  • secular
  • Renaissance
  • Renaissance Plaquettes
  • Aristotle
  • Alexander of Aphrodisias
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

upper left: .ALEX[ANDER].APH[RODISIENSIS] [leaf] ARIS[TOTELES] (Alexander of Aphrodisias [and] Aristotle)

Marks

Reverse bears former inventory numbers 207 in red paint (Dreyfus) and 160 in yellow paint (Ricci 1931).

NGA object ID 44008. 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.