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Aesculapius

Florentine 15th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a relief carving of a male figure standing in an elegant pose, holding a staff entwined with a serpent. The figure is shown in profile, facing left, with a defined muscular form. The staff, known as a caduceus, is held in the left hand resting on the ground. The sculpture is crafted from a material that appears weathered and earthy brown in color, suggesting it might be made of bronze or a similar metal that has aged over time. This small, oval-shaped relief has a detailed and textured surface, reflecting light to highlight its contours and enhance the three-dimensional quality of the figure. The edges of the oval frame the figure, adding a sense of completeness to the composition.

Artwork Details

Date
15th century
Medium
bronze//Light brown patina
Dimensions
3648 × 5264 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original