Appliqué in the Form of Paired Dolphins on a Scallop Shell

Italian 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a sculpture of two dolphins facing outward from the center where they meet at their snouts. Between them is a scallop shell. The sculpture is metallic and finished with a gold color. The dolphins have detailed features including eyes and open mouths. The design is symmetrical, with the dolphins' tails curling upwards and forming ornate scroll-like shapes. The golden color accentuates the forms and details of the sculpture against a dark background.