Venus and Cupid

early 16th century

Paduan 16th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture depicts two figures: a seated adult draped in flowing attire and a smaller winged child-like figure. The adult figure is seated on a decorative structure or pedestal, engaging with the cherub. The sculpture is crafted from a gold-colored material. The figures have been intricately detailed to convey the folds of the drapery and the curves of their bodies. The cherub is positioned with one knee on the pedestal. Both figures seem engaged in conversation or a symbolic gesture. The polished gold surface highlights the fine detailing of the sculpture, while the textured backdrop creates depth and contrast. This piece has a rounded overall form which is flat on one side.

Media Options

Skip thumbnail navigation Back to thumbnail navigation
This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gilded bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (oval w/ silhouetted top): 4.2 x 3.3 cm (1 5/8 x 1 5/16 in.) gross weight: 22 gr

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.390


Artwork history & notes

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.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1931

  • Ricci, Seymour de. The Gustave Dreyfus Collection. Reliefs and Plaquettes. Oxford, 1931. vol. II, 192, no. 266, pl. 80.

1951

  • National Gallery of Art. Renaissance Bronzes: Statuettes, Reliefs and Plaquettes, Medals and Coins from the Kress Collection. Introduction by Perry B. Cott. Washington, 1951: 154.

1965

  • Pope-Hennessy, John W. Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: Reliefs, Plaquettes, Statuettes, Utensils and Mortars. London, 1965: 29, no. 84, fig. 225 (as Master of the Birth of Venus).

Wikidata ID

Q63814806

You may be interested in

Loading Results