Atlases on the Wallpavillon of the Dresden Zwinger

Adolph Menzel

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two sculpted figures on the facade of a building. The figures are likely atlantes, which are male figures used as architectural supports. Both figures are depicted in a classical style with muscular builds. The figure on the left has its hands placed behind its head, while the figure on the right also has its arms bent and hands raised above its head. The figures are draped with cloth around their lower bodies, and there are intricate carved details such as floral garlands and swirling decorative elements. The sculpture is monochromatic, suggesting it is made of stone or plaster. Each figure is intricately carved with attention to anatomical detail. The setting suggests a baroque or classical architectural style with ornate embellishments framing the figures.