Artwork preview

Mercury and Judith

North Italian 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a rectangular plaque featuring two humanoid figures standing side by side. The figure on the left appears to be a nude male, with a helmet or hat that has wings or feathers, possibly holding a staff or branch. The figure on the right is a clothed female, wearing a draped garment that exposes her midriff, holding a round object in her left hand and possibly a decapitated head in her right hand. The background is textured, and there is a hole near the center of the plaque. The sculpture is primarily made of bronze, evident from its greenish-brown patina. The surface of the sculpture shows signs of wear, adding to its antique appearance. Surrounding the figures is an ornate rectangular border with scrollwork at the top and bottom.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1500
Medium
bronze//Medium brown patina
Dimensions
2684 × 3727 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original