The sculpture depicts a human figure with long, flowing hair and a bare torso. The figure sits on top of a sea creature resembling a fish or serpent with a stylized face and curled tail. This is presented in a circular relief format, possibly a medallion or plaque. The artwork appears to be made of bronze based on its brown and metallic sheen. The intricate detailing shows water movement, the creature, and the human figure's curves. Below the scene, the initials "F NAR" are inscribed, potentially the artist's signature. The relief backdrop adds depth and dynamics to the foreground figures.
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The sculpture depicts a human figure with long, flowing hair and a bare torso. The figure sits on top of a sea creature resembling a fish or serpent with a stylized face and curled tail. This is presented in a circular relief format, possibly a medallion or plaque. The artwork appears to be made of bronze based on its brown and metallic sheen. The intricate detailing shows water movement, the creature, and the human figure's curves. Below the scene, the initials "F NAR" are inscribed, potentially the artist's signature. The relief backdrop adds depth and dynamics to the foreground figures.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

A Nymph on a Dolphin

Francesco Marti

Medium
bronze//Light brownpatina
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.5 cm (1 3/4 in.) gross weight: 47 gr
Classification
Sculpture · Plaquette
Accession number
1957.14.572
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • classical
  • mythology
  • Renaissance
  • Renaissance Plaquettes
  • Nymph
  • Dolphin
  • Lucchese
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

lower left in exergue: .F.MAR.

NGA object ID 44292. 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.