The sculpture depicts a nude male figure engaged in an athletic pose, holding a disk by his shoulder with one hand. The subject has curly hair and is slightly bent at the knees, poised as if to throw the disk. This figure is intricately carved onto a circular metallic surface that appears to be made of a patinated bronze material, giving it a predominantly dark brown appearance with patches of lighter wear that reveal a metallic sheen. The sculpture is a relief, meaning the figure is raised from the background surface. The textured surface and detailed anatomy reflect a realistic approach, whereas the compact size fits into the round shape.
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The sculpture depicts a nude male figure engaged in an athletic pose, holding a disk by his shoulder with one hand. The subject has curly hair and is slightly bent at the knees, poised as if to throw the disk. This figure is intricately carved onto a circular metallic surface that appears to be made of a patinated bronze material, giving it a predominantly dark brown appearance with patches of lighter wear that reveal a metallic sheen. The sculpture is a relief, meaning the figure is raised from the background surface. The textured surface and detailed anatomy reflect a realistic approach, whereas the compact size fits into the round shape.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

A Dancing Faun

Master A.L.

Date
1507
Medium
bronze//Dark brown patina
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 8.7 cm (3 7/16 in.) gross weight: 208 gr
Classification
Sculpture · Plaquette
Accession number
1957.14.457
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1501 to 1550
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • classical
  • mythology
  • Renaissance
  • Renaissance Plaquettes
  • Faun
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

center reverse: 1507 / AL

NGA object ID 44174. 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.