Architectural Pilaster
ca. 1500 - ca. 1525 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a marble architectural pilaster made in about 1500-1525 in Italy. The ornament carved in shallow relief on this panel was partly inspired by ancient Roman decorations. The carver has given it a convincing sense of three-dimensionality. The fantastic candelabrum sprouts stylised foliage. Its base, with a garland and two sphinxes, is supported by three putti (small boys representing spirits).
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Marble |
| Brief description | Architectural pilaster, marble, Italian, ca. 1500-1525 |
| Physical description | Architectural pilaster. This includes an stylised candelabrum. Also depicts a man wrestling a lion, which may represent the Hercules, or Samson. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | PILASTER
About 1500
This panel includes an elaborately stylised candelabrum covered with the Roman elements favoured by Renaissance artists. The sculptor's skill is demonstrated by the three dimensional appearance the details carved in low relief. The man wrestling the lion may represent the classical hero Hercules, or the Old Testament figure Samson. This type of panel was commonly used in door jambs or to frame fireplaces.
Italy, probably Venice
Marble
Museum no. 86-1866(2008) |
| Object history | Bought in 1866. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This is a marble architectural pilaster made in about 1500-1525 in Italy. The ornament carved in shallow relief on this panel was partly inspired by ancient Roman decorations. The carver has given it a convincing sense of three-dimensionality. The fantastic candelabrum sprouts stylised foliage. Its base, with a garland and two sphinxes, is supported by three putti (small boys representing spirits). |
| Bibliographic reference | Inventory of Art Objects acquired in the Year 1866. Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol. 1. London : Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 23 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 86-1866 |
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| Record created | May 13, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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