Read the visual description
The sculpture is a circular relief depicting a reclining female figure with two small winged cherubs, one holding an open book. The scene includes a palm tree and foliage. The sculpture is primarily composed of a dark, bronze material with a patinated finish. The figures are crafted in a classical, realistic style. The inscription at the bottom suggests a classical origin. The piece has a hole at the top for hanging or suspension.
National Gallery of Art · Sculpture
An Allegorical Scene
Andrea Briosco, called Riccio
- Medium
- bronze
- Dimensions
- overall (diameter): 6.35 cm (2 1/2 in.) gross weight: 48.33 gr (0.107 lb.)
- Classification
- Sculpture · Plaquette
- Accession number
- 1957.14.345
- Credit line
- Samuel H. Kress Collection
- Time span
- 1401 to 1500
- Department
- CSD
Subjects and terms
- Paduan
- Renaissance
- Renaissance Plaquettes
- classical
- allegory
- Putti
- Youth
- Book (open)
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
in exergue, above crossed branches of palm and laurel, in Greek letters: (Pious theft)
Marks
Reverse bears earlier-style NGA accession number in red paint.
NGA object ID 44069. 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.