The Spinario

1581

Diana Scultori

Associated Names
Diana Scultori

Artist, Italian, c.1547 - 1612

Claudio Duchetti

Publisher, French, active in Italy, died 1585

The sculpture depicts a seated male figure removing a thorn from his foot. Known as "Il Spinario," the figure appears youthful with a muscular build, detailed anatomy, and curly hair. The subject is shown in a naturalistic pose, with one leg lifted and crossed over the other to access the thorn in his foot. The sculpture seems to be made of a material resembling marble or stone, with a smooth surface texture and shading techniques implying solidity and weight. The figure is caught in an intimate moment, appearing thoughtful and introspective. It rests on a round, intricately detailed pedestal, elevating the figure for better appreciation. The overall presentation is monochromatic in shades of grey, giving a timeless and classic aesthetic.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    plate: 30.6 × 20.8 cm (12 1/16 × 8 3/16 in.)
    sheet: 54.2 × 42.9 cm (21 5/16 × 16 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2009.100.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Bartsch, no. 42


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Bassenge, Berlin, 4 June 2009, no. 5259); (C. G. Boerner, Inc., New York); purchased 2009 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2021

  • By Her Hand: Artemesia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy, 1500-1800, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford; The Detroit Institute of Arts, 2021-2022.

  • By Her Hand: Artemisia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy, 1500–1800, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford; The Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, 2021 - 2022, unnumbered catalogue.

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821: no. 42.

1991

  • Bellini, Paolo. L'opera incisa di Adamo e Diana Scultori, Milan, 1991: no. 50 i/iv.

Inscriptions

lower left in image: DIANA INCIDEBAT; lower right, below image, in plate: Romae. Claudij. ducheti. Formis. 1581.

Markings

none

Watermarks

fleur-de-lys in shield with six-pointed star (Woodward 115-118)

Wikidata ID

Q76441058

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