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Plaquette

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

This plaquette, depicting satyr , bacchante and syrinx, was made after the Martelli Mirror (8717-1863), which was thought to be by the great Florentine sculptor Donatello (1386-1466). But the style of the mirror differs from Donatello's other bronze reliefs. The exquisite detailing suggests that an accomplished goldsmith made it.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Brief description
Plaquette from the Martelli Mirror. Italian 16th century.
Physical description
On the left in half-length a bearded satyr. On the right is a becchante filling a horn from her breast. On a staff between the two figures is a syrinx and a mask and above is a herm. There are vine branches on each side. At the foot is an inscription and above is an aged mask.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 178mm
Marks and inscriptions
"NATVRA FOVET QVAE NECESSITAS VRGET"
Subjects depicted
Summary
This plaquette, depicting satyr , bacchante and syrinx, was made after the Martelli Mirror (8717-1863), which was thought to be by the great Florentine sculptor Donatello (1386-1466). But the style of the mirror differs from Donatello's other bronze reliefs. The exquisite detailing suggests that an accomplished goldsmith made it.
Bibliographic references
  • Cf. Maclagan, Eric. Catalogue of Italian Plaquettes. London, 1924. p. 11.
  • Cf. Bange, E. F. ed. Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Beschreibung der Bildwerke der Christlichen Epoche. Dritte Auflage. Zweiter Band. Die Italienischen Bronzen der Renaissance und des Barock. Zweiter Teil: Reliefs und Plaketten. Berlin und Leipzig, 1922. nos. 293, 294. pls. 32, 39.
  • Cf. Molinier, E. Les Plaquettes: catalogue raisonné. Paris :J. Rouam, 1886. no. 29.
Collection
Accession number
A.11-1927

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
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