
Read the visual description
The sculpture is a relief depicting a classical scene with various figures in an outdoor setting. The central figures are gathered around a table or altar, with two women in the foreground, one holding a mirror and the other seated. Other figures are engaged in different activities behind them, including sitting and standing. Animals, such as a flying bird, are depicted above. The background includes architectural elements like columns, along with a landscape featuring trees and distant buildings. The circular sculpture is made of a material resembling bronze, giving it a metallic brown appearance. The relief is highly detailed with intricate carvings, reflecting inspiration from classical art.
National Gallery of Art · Sculpture
Athena Introducing the Personification of Painting into the Circle of the Liberal Arts
Circle of Hans Jakob Bayr
- Date
- c. 1600
- Medium
- cast bronze
- Dimensions
- overall (diameter): 15.1 cm (5 15/16 in.)
- Classification
- Sculpture · Plaquette
- Accession number
- 1992.55.18
- Credit line
- Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
- Time span
- 1551 to 1600
- Department
- CSD
Subjects and terms
- Augsburg
- Renaissance Plaquettes
- arts and sciences
- allegory
- Painting
- Athena
- Liberal Arts
Provenance
Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1992 to NGA.
NGA object ID 76318. 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.