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.
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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.