The Toilette of Venus

early 16th century

North Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
The sculpture depicts three nude female figures arranged closely together in a triangular formation. The central figure is seated, while the other two stand beside her. The right figure is holding a small object, and the left one appears to be adjusting something on the central figure's head. Below the seated figure, a small child and a basket-like object are present. The sculpture is made of a bronze-like material, indicated by its brown color and patina. The composition is set within an oval-shaped relief. The figures are engaged in an activity related to grooming or bathing, with intricate detailing.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Medium brown patina

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (oval): 5.7 x 4.3 cm (2 1/4 x 1 11/16 in.) gross weight: 58 gr

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.452


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, 318.

1965

  • Pope-Hennessy, John W. Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: Reliefs, Plaquettes, Statuettes, Utensils and Mortars. London, 1965: no. 289.

Wikidata ID

Q63814853

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