Andiron: Apollo with the Serpent

18th century

Italian 18th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture depicts a nude male figure standing in a contrapposto pose with a flowing headpiece or hair. His head is slightly turned to his left. He appears to be holding a small object or tool in his left hand, while his right arm is bent with an open hand gesture near his shoulder. The sculpture is composed of a dark material, likely bronze, giving it a deep color with a slight sheen. Below the figure, an elaborate base features an ornate design with the face of a bearded man at the center, possibly a mythical creature, surrounded by intricate scrolling elements. The craftsmanship makes the sculpture appear lifelike, with realistic anatomical features and fluidity in its form.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Widener Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 91.4 x 40 x 22 cm (36 x 15 3/4 x 8 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1942.9.2520


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Peter A.B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of Peter A.B. Widener by gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; gift 1942 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1994

  • Sculpture: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994: 121, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63809740

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