Mortar with Busts and Draped Venus Figures

c. 1600

Probably French 17th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture is a blackened iron mortar that features detailed reliefs around its exterior. The primary subject includes human figures and decorative motifs, with human faces, elaborate headgear, and attire. These figures are interspersed with decorative elements like a stylized fleur-de-lis. The material is dark, metallic iron with a textured surface, giving the sculpture an austere appearance. The mortar is cylindrical with a broad, flat base and an open top, suggestive of utilitarian design, yet adorned with ornate details.

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection, France; by inheritance to private collection, Los Angeles; gift to Philip Conisbee [1946-2008] and Faya Causey, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.; gift 2014 to NGA.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q63863536

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