Mercury

early 16th century

Master of the Roman Charity

Associated Names
Master of the Roman Charity

Sculptor, Paduan, active 16th century

The sculpture depicts a bearded male figure reclining, holding a staff with serpents in one hand and possibly a cloth or scroll in the other. The man appears to be semi-nude, with a cloth draped over parts of his body. He is shown slightly leaning against a block decorated with floral motifs. Above him, a star and a crescent moon are visible. To his right, there is a decorative urn or vase-like object with intricate patterns. The sculpture is a round medallion made of bronze or a similar metallic material, characterized by its warm brownish color and slightly aged patina. The medallion is set on a flat, round base with a raised edge. The artwork is a small relief, designed to be viewed up close, highlighting the detailed carving and the smooth, reflective surface of the metal.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Dark brown patina

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 8.1 cm (3 3/16 in.) gross weight: 97 gr

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.386

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

1886

  • Molinier, Émile. Les Bronzes de la Renaissance. Les Plaquettes; Catalogue Raisonné. 2 vols. Paris, 1886:, 2:63, no. 443.

1931

  • Ricci, Seymour de. The Gustave Dreyfus Collection. Reliefs and Plaquettes. Oxford, 1931. vol. II, 190, no. 262, pl. 80.

1951

  • National Gallery of Art. Renaissance Bronzes: Statuettes, Reliefs and Plaquettes, Medals and Coins from the Kress Collection. Introduction by Perry B. Cott. Washington, 1951: 154.

1965

  • Pope-Hennessy, John W. Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: Reliefs, Plaquettes, Statuettes, Utensils and Mortars. London, 1965: 41, no. 131, fig. 121.

1983

  • Wilson, Carolyn C. Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art. Washington, 1983: 63, no. 7, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63815058

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