Saturn Devouring One of His Sons

perhaps cast c. 1615 in Paris from a model made in Florence or Genoa c. 1585

Pietro Francavilla

Associated Names
Pietro Francavilla

Artist, French, 1546/47 - 1615

The sculpture depicts a muscular male figure with a full beard and lush, curly hair, holding a smaller figure in one arm. The larger figure is standing with one foot on a base that features a goat's head and floral motifs. He is partially covered with a cloth draped around his waist and over his arm. The smaller figure appears to be a child resting against the man’s shoulder. The sculpture is crafted from a dark, bronze material which highlights the intricate details of the anatomical features, hair, and drapery. The larger figure leans slightly forward, giving a dynamic appearance, with the highly polished surface of the bronze enhancing the texture and form.

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

2004

  • Radcliffe, Anthony and Nicholas Penny. Art of the Renaissance Bronze, 1500-1650. London, 2004: 122, 148-153, repro. no. 24.

Inscriptions

French Royal Inventory Number engraved on the body of the marine goat wound round the supporting stump: N-284
painted in minute white letters below the trunk of the tree: 481-356


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