Not currently on display at the V&A

Apollo and the Dragon

Plaquette
16th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This bronze plaquette is made by the Pseudo Antonio da Brescia in Italy in the 16th century. It depicts Apollo and the Dragon.
Apollo is one of the twelve gods of Olympus and the embodiment of the classical Greek spirit, representing the rational and the civilised. In Greek mythology he was the son of Zeus and Leto and the twin-brother of Artemis (Diana). In classical sculpture he represents the ideal form of male physical beauty (as Venus for female) and is portrayed young, beardless, with long hair and rather feminine features. His attributes were varied: bow, arrow, quiver (for his patron of archery), the lyre (patron of poetry and music), a four-horse chariot (for the sun god), a snake (for his victory over Python) and more.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleApollo and the Dragon (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Plaquette, bronze, by the Pseudo Antonio da Brescia, Apollo and the Dragon, Italy, 16th century
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 6.6cm
Content description
Medallion depicts Apollo standing over the dragon, who is lying on his back. Trees in the background.
Object history
Bought, 4s.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This bronze plaquette is made by the Pseudo Antonio da Brescia in Italy in the 16th century. It depicts Apollo and the Dragon.
Apollo is one of the twelve gods of Olympus and the embodiment of the classical Greek spirit, representing the rational and the civilised. In Greek mythology he was the son of Zeus and Leto and the twin-brother of Artemis (Diana). In classical sculpture he represents the ideal form of male physical beauty (as Venus for female) and is portrayed young, beardless, with long hair and rather feminine features. His attributes were varied: bow, arrow, quiver (for his patron of archery), the lyre (patron of poetry and music), a four-horse chariot (for the sun god), a snake (for his victory over Python) and more.
Bibliographic references
  • Inventory of Art Objects Acquired in the Year 1861. In: Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, Arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol I. London: Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 24
  • Maclagan, Eric. Catalogue of Italian Plaquettes . London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1924, p. 56
Collection
Accession number
7491-1861

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest