Architectural Pilaster
16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a marble architectural pilaster made in the 16th century Italy, probably Venice, with Renaissance ornament in low relief and a pilaster shaped wooden frame. This pilaster 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 of 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.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Marble |
| Brief description | Architectural pilaster, marble, Italian, probably Venice, 16th century |
| Physical description | Architectural pilaster with renaissance ornament in low relief and a pilaster shaped wooden frame. Depicting candelabrum sprouting foliage. Base, with a garland and two sphinxes, supported by three putti. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label | PILASTER
About 1500-25
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).
Italy
Marble
Museum no. 87-1866(2008) |
| Object history | Bought in 1866. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This is a marble architectural pilaster made in the 16th century Italy, probably Venice, with Renaissance ornament in low relief and a pilaster shaped wooden frame. This pilaster 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 of 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. |
| 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 | 87-1866 |
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| Record created | May 26, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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