Cupid and Stags

c. 1500

Paduan 16th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture is a rectangular relief depicting four figures and an animal. The figures are cherubic children, one of whom is mounted on a small animal resembling a goat or a deer, while the others accompany on foot. One figure appears to be leading the animal, holding what looks like a rope or vine. The figure on the mounted animal has wings. Another figure beside them seems to be engaging with the animal, and the figure on the far right appears to be holding an object, possibly a musical instrument. The relief is detailed, capturing the youthful features and dynamic poses of the figures, set against a plain backdrop that enhances their three-dimensional effect. The sculpture is made of a metal, possibly bronze, giving it a rustic brown color with dark patina. The surface is smooth with visible signs of age.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Dark laquer (much rubbed) over light brown bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 6.3 x 8.1 cm (2 1/2 x 3 3/16 in.) gross weight: 119 gr

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.379


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

Bibliography

1931

  • Ricci, Seymour de. The Gustave Dreyfus Collection. Reliefs and Plaquettes. Oxford, 1931. vol.II, 255.

1965

  • Pope-Hennessy, John W. Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: Reliefs, Plaquettes, Statuettes, Utensils and Mortars. London, 1965: no. 331.

Wikidata ID

Q63814798

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