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Head of a Satyr [obverse]

Probably Venetian 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a relief portrait of a man shown in profile facing left. The man has distinct facial features, including a prominent nose, a strong jawline, and detailed, textured hair. His attire includes a piece of draped fabric over his shoulders with a visible fastener at the shoulder. The sculpture is round and made of a brownish metal, likely bronze, with an aged appearance including areas that are smoother and areas that show a darker patina. There is a small hole at the bottom of the sculpture, suggesting it might have served as a medallion or was intended to be mounted or worn. The craftsmanship of the piece suggests intricate detailing of the subject's features.

Artwork Details

Date
16th century
Medium
bronze, partially gilded
Dimensions
4717 × 4717 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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