Artwork preview

Aeneas Descending to the Underworld

Master of the Orpheus Legend

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a sculpture of a detailed relief on a circular medallion. The relief features a group of figures on a boat, including a man in armor standing at the left and a seated woman holding a flowering branch. An older man, possibly a ferryman, is shown standing and using a large oar to guide the boat. Below the boat, several smaller human figures are depicted. The sculpture is made of bronze, giving it a brown color and a metallic luster. The relief is carved with attention to detail, creating a sense of depth within the figures and depicting an elaborate scene reminiscent of a classical or mythological narrative.

Artwork Details

Date
fourth quarter 15th century
Medium
bronze//Dark brown patina
Dimensions
4610 × 4535 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original