Bacchus
ca. 1520/22 | Pier Jacopo Alari de Bonacolsi, gen. Antico
Isabella d’Este was a passionate collector of classical art. Originals were expensive, however, and their acquisition difficult. Antico created the perfect substitute: bronze busts that were inspired both by classical antiquity and a more romantic and narrative view. Instead of copying portraits of Roman emperors he created poetic busts such as these depicting the lovers Bacchus and Ariadne.
Isabella d’Este was a passionate collector of classical art. Originals were expensive, however, and their acquisition difficult. Antico created the perfect substitute: bronze busts that were inspired both by classical antiquity and a more romantic and narrative view. Instead of copying portraits of Roman emperors he created poetic busts such as these depicting the lovers Bacchus and Ariadne.
Artist:
Pier Jacopo Alari de Bonacolsi, gen. Antico (um 1460 Mantua - 1528 Gazzuolo) DNB
Time:
ca. 1520/22
Object Name
bust; bronze sculpture
Culture
Mantua
Material/technology:
Partially gilded bronze
Dimensions:
H. 59 cm, B. 43 cm, T. 27 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 5987