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Open 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
Featured event:

Block Party
Join us June 6
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Lust

second quarter 17th century

Leonhard Kern

Associated Names

Leonhard Kern

Artist, German, 1588 - 1662

The sculpture features a nude female figure seated on angular, block-like steps. She is in a relaxed pose, with her left leg resting on a lower step and braiding her long hair, which falls over her shoulder. The material is a rich brown color resembling carved wood. The figure has delicate facial expressions and detailed hair, giving a sense of refinement and realism. The sculpture's compact form and smooth surface suggest attention to detail, and the seated position on geometric blocks creates a contrast between the organic body and rigid steps.

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Artwork overview

Medium

fruitwood, possibly pear
Credit Line

Gift of Robert H. Smith/Robert H. Smith Collection
Dimensions

overall: 22.8 cm (9 in.)
Accession Number

2022.181.75

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

2015

Schmidt, Eike D., et al. Bronze, Boxwood, and Ivory in the Robert H. Smith Collection of Renaissance Sculpture. London, 2015: 2, 52-56, repro. no. 75, cover.

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