Barbarian on Horseback
late 16th c.
Small bronze sculptures were intended to be held in the hands of connoisseurs – for them to enjoy feeling their smooth surface and to study even the smallest details. Unlike the viewer’s ritualized interaction with religious artworks characteristic of the Middle Ages, here the focus is on the artist’s invention and creation: This marks the beginning of modern art appreciation. Moreover, these easily copied bronzes were also within the reach of less affluent collectors.
Small bronze sculptures were intended to be held in the hands of connoisseurs – for them to enjoy feeling their smooth surface and to study even the smallest details. Unlike the viewer’s ritualized interaction with religious artworks characteristic of the Middle Ages, here the focus is on the artist’s invention and creation: This marks the beginning of modern art appreciation. Moreover, these easily copied bronzes were also within the reach of less affluent collectors.
Time:
late 16th c.
Object Name
Statuette; bronze sculpture
Culture
Milan (?)
Material/technology:
Bronze
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Kunstkammer
Invs.
Kunstkammer, 5768