Patination is the process of artificially colouring the surface of the metal or changing its appearance. True patina is created by chemical changes to the surface through long exposure to the elements. Artificial patina is created through the application of drying oils, resins, pigments or acids to protect the surface or to enhance or change the colour of the metal. Heat is sometimes used in this process. The surface can also be enriched by adding
gold (‘gilding’) or silver. This relief and inv. no. A.31-1959 are based on scenes painted by Raphael in the Vatican Loggia in about 1518. The frescoes were not easy to see but prints made after them served as models for work in a variety of media. The reliefs were originally attributed to the Florentine sculptor Massimiliano Soldani-Benzi (1658–1740). However it is now believed that they were made by Giuseppe Piamontini and only cast in Soldani’s foundry.
Physical description
The scene takes place in an arcaded hall. On the left Solomon advances from his throne to greet the Queen of Sheba, who hurries towards him. In the left foreground is a male figure with back turned, and in the right foreground are three men bearing gifts. There are a number of ancillary figures in the background of the scene. Inscribed on the bottom edge: MAX. SOLDANUS.F.1710.
Place of Origin
Florence, Italy (made)
Date
ca. 1700-1710 (made)
Artist/maker
Piamontini, Giuseppe, born 1664 - died 1742 (artist)
Raphael, born 1483 - died 1520 (after, artist)
Materials and Techniques
Bronze
Marks and inscriptions
'MAX. SOLDANUS.F.1710'.
Dimensions
Height: 25.7 cm, Width: 36.5 cm
Object history note
Bought together with A.32-1959, under the Webb Bequest, for £300.
Descriptive line
Relief, bronze, of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, attributed to Giuseppe Piamontini, Italian (Florence), ca. 1700-10
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Pope-Hennessy, John. Catalogue of Italian Sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Volume II: Text. Sixteenth to Twentieth Century. London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1964, p. 590
Pratesi, G, ed. Repertorio della Scultura Fiorentina del seicento e settecento, Umberto Allemandi, 1993, Vol III, pl. 419
Exhibition History
Queen of Sheba: Treasures from Ancient Yemen (British Museum 05/06/2002-13/10/2002)
Die Reise nach Jerusalem (Schloss Charlottenburg, Berlin 22/11/1995-29/02/1996)
Production Note
This relief and its companion (A.31-1959) are based on paintings in the Vatican Loggia by Raphael. They appear to form part of a set of eight reliefs by Giuseppe Piamontini, for which wax models were listed in the inventory of the Doccia ceramic factory. These reliefs were formerly believed to be by the leading Florentine sculptor, Massimiliano Soldani Benzi (1656-1740) as they were inscribed after casting in crude lettering under the base: 'MAX.SOLDANUS. F. 1710'. The inscription differs in both form and quality from all other known signatures by the artist, but the reliefs were possibly cast in his foundry.
Materials
Bronze
Techniques
Casting
Subjects depicted
Moses; Crowns (headdresses); Solomon
Categories
Sculpture; Christianity; Bronze; Reliefs
Collection code
SCP
