Andiron with figure of Mars (one of a pair)
early 17th century?
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Height: 36 1/4 in. (92.1 cm)
Classification
Sculpture-Bronze
Culture
Italian, Venice
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
Accession Number
32.100.188
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant bronze andiron, featuring the figure of Mars, the Roman god of war, is one of a pair crafted in Venice by the sculptor Danese Cattaneo around the early 17th. Standing at an impressive 36¼ inches tall, it exemplifies the Venetian mastery of bronze casting, a technique prized for its durability and ability to capture intricate details in both functional and ornamental objects. Cattaneo, a prominent figure in the Mannerist tradition, drew from classical mythology to infuse everyday household items with grandeur, transforming simple fireplace supports into sculptural masterpieces. An...