Ornamental Panel: Triton Ridden by a Child

Giovanni Pietro da Birago

Cleveland Museum of Art

Vertical rectangular drawing on aged paper with a thin off-white border. The drawing is divided into four sections with ornate designs. The top section features a vase with handles and a curved top in the center, surrounded by symmetrical curving lines and shapes, including circles and leaves. Below the vase are two winged faces facing outward. The second section depicts a cherub sitting on a curving line amidst foliage, surrounded by more curving lines and shapes. The third section features a sunburst design with a shield in the center. The bottom section shows a triton, depicted as a merman with a fish tail, sitting on an architectural structure with a child on his back. The triton faces right, and the child holds onto the triton's neck; both have their right arms raised. The triton's left arm rests on his knee, and he holds an object. The background is plain white.