Sleeping Nymph and Two Satyrs [reverse]

1505 or after

Pseudo Antonio da Brescia

Associated Names
Pseudo Antonio da Brescia

Artist, Venetian (?), active early 16th century

The sculpture depicts a reclining female figure with flowing drapery, resting against an elaborate architectural element resembling an altar or pedestal. Beside her is a youthful figure, while another young figure looks upon her with an arm raised. On the right side, two satyr-like figures engage in interaction, one holding a cloth. Above, a tree with leafy branches is present. The material is metallic, likely bronze, with a dark brown surface and areas of patina. The sculpture is circular and showcases intricate detail.

Media Options

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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Light brown patina

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.9 cm (2 5/16 in.) gross weight: 77 gr

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.242.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a circular bas-relief depicting two figures. One figure is a mythological creature resembling a faun or satyr, with horns and goat-like legs, playing a musical instrument. The second figure is a reclining nude woman, with her body oriented towards the faun, her gaze directed at him, and her right arm raised above her head. The faun appears to be serenading the woman. The material of the sculpture is bronze. The outdoor setting includes landscape details such as trees, hills, and buildings in the background.

Abundance and a Satyr [obverse]

Pseudo Antonio da Brescia

1505

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

1971

  • Dürer's Cities: Nuremberg and Venice, The University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor, 1971, no. 100.

2018

  • Sharing Images: Renaissance Prints into Maiolica and Bronze, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2018, no. 48

Bibliography

1998

  • Bekker, Gerd. Europäische Plaketten und Medaillen vom 15. bis zum 18. Jahrhundert. Leipzig, 1998: 57.

2011

  • Rossi, Francesco. La collezione Mario Scaglia: placchette. 3 vols. Bergamo, 2011: 1:126, under Variante D/1, M.29.

2013

  • Leino, Marika. Fashion, Devotion and Contemplation: The Status and Functions of Italian Renaissance Plaquettes. Oxford, 2013: 37, 39 n. 15, 97.

Inscriptions

upper left inscribed on altar: VI / RT / VS

Wikidata ID

Q63815214

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