Allegories of the Four Seasons (Fountain Figures)
between 1569 and 1578 | Johann Gregor van der Schardt
In 1568, Emperor Maximilian II commissioned a silver fountain measuring more than three meters in height from the goldsmith Wenzel Jamnitzer. Both by its decorative program and by its ingenious engineering it was to glorify the House of Habsburg. However, the monument was not delivered until nine years later, to Maximilian’s son and heir, Rudolph II. In the 18th century the silver parts were melted down in order to finance the refurbishment of the Treasury, and only these four supporting bronze figures have survived.
In 1568, Emperor Maximilian II commissioned a silver fountain measuring more than three meters in height from the goldsmith Wenzel Jamnitzer. Both by its decorative program and by its ingenious engineering it was to glorify the House of Habsburg. However, the monument was not delivered until nine years later, to Maximilian’s son and heir, Rudolph II. In the 18th century the silver parts were melted down in order to finance the refurbishment of the Treasury, and only these four supporting bronze figures have survived.
Artist:
Johann Gregor van der Schardt , (Bildhauer) (um 1530 Nijmwegen - um 1581 Nürnberg ?) DNB
Time:
between 1569 and 1578
Object Name
Statuette
Culture
Nuremberg
Material/technology:
Gilded bronze
Dimensions:
H. 72 cm, B. 33,5 cm, T. 15 cm
Basis: 15 cm × 15 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 1130