Vulcan

Hendrik Goltzius after Polidoro da Caravaggio

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a full-body nude statue of a male figure standing in a niche. He is positioned in a frontal stance with a hammer in his right hand and a metallic object in his left. The statue has detailed facial features with a full beard and curly hair, a stern expression, and muscular legs drapped modestly with a cloth. Around the statue is an arch-shaped niche with intricate architectural elements. Two winged figures flank the top of the niche, holding a floral garland. The word "VVLCANVS" is inscribed at the top. The background has elaborate textures, resembling a stone facade, suggesting a classic or Renaissance style.