The sculpture is a roundel featuring the engraved relief of a seated older man with curly hair, draped in fabric, gently interacting with a cherubic figure. The cherub, depicted with wings, stands in front of the man extending its hands towards him. Behind them is a tree with detailed foliage growing beside a large urn-like container, adding depth to the scene. The material of the roundel appears to be a dark bronze or copper with a patina. The roundel displays an intimate and serene scene crafted with attention to detailing and realism in the figures' postures and expressions.
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The sculpture is a roundel featuring the engraved relief of a seated older man with curly hair, draped in fabric, gently interacting with a cherubic figure. The cherub, depicted with wings, stands in front of the man extending its hands towards him. Behind them is a tree with detailed foliage growing beside a large urn-like container, adding depth to the scene. The material of the roundel appears to be a dark bronze or copper with a patina. The roundel displays an intimate and serene scene crafted with attention to detailing and realism in the figures' postures and expressions.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

An Allegorical Scene

Workshop of Andrea Briosco, called Riccio

Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 6.35 cm (2 1/2 in.) gross weight: 55.93 gr (0.123 lb.)
Classification
Sculpture · Plaquette
Accession number
1957.14.346
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Paduan
  • Cup
  • Renaissance
  • Renaissance Plaquettes
  • Vase
  • classical
  • allegory
  • Serpent
  • Putto
  • Youth
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 44070. 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.