Hand Bell with Drunken Silenus, Satyrs, Cavorting Putti, and Musical Instruments

late 15th - early 16th century

Probably Paduan 15th or 16th Century

Associated Names
Paduan 15th Century

Sculptor

Paduan 16th Century

Sculptor

The sculpture is a bell with intricate relief carvings depicting various figures and a background of vine and leaf motifs. It is made of bronze, with a rounded shape and a handle at the top. The relief illustrates a dynamic scene with multiple human figures engaged in interactions. The sculpture has a dark brown metallic color and areas of light and shadow emphasize the details in the relief. The work is detailed and visually appealing with a classic design.

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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 13.1 x 9.1 cm (5 3/16 x 3 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.116

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

Exhibition History

1985

  • Natur und Antike in der Renaissance, Städtische Galerie Liebieghaus, Frankfurt am Main, Federal Republic of Germany, 1985-1986, no. 253.

Bibliography

1931

  • Ricci, Seymour de. The Gustave Dreyfus Collection: Renaissance Bronzes. Oxford, 1931: 130, no. 113, pl. 66.

1951

  • Renaissance Bronzes: Statuettes, Reliefs and Plaquettes, Medals and Coins from the Kress Collection. Introduction by Perry B. Cott. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1951: 139, repro. 43, as by North Italian 16th Century.

1965

  • Pope-Hennessy, John W. Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: Reliefs, Plaquettes, Statuettes, Utensils and Mortars. London, 1965: no. 537.

1983

  • Wilson, Carolyn C. Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art. Washington, 1983: 82, no. 29.

1994

  • Sculpture: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994: 167, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63810089

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