Aquarius Watering the Farnese Lilies [reverse]
![Aquarius Watering the Farnese Lilies [reverse] by Alessandro Cesati, called Il Grechetto](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/aquarius-watering-the-farnese-lilies-reverse-nga-44976.webp)
Medium
bronze//Struck
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 4.03 cm (1 9/16 in.) gross weight: 38.38 gr (0.085 lb.) axis: 6:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.959.b
Art Historical Context
**Aquarius Watering the Farnese Lilies [reverse]** *Bronze medal (struck), by Alessandro Cesati, called Il Grechetto, 1545* National Gallery of Art, Samuel H. Kress Collection This exquisite bronze medal reverse, struck by the Italian engraver Alessandro Cesati (ca. 1510–1575), known as Il Grechetto, captures the zodiac figure of Aquarius in a graceful act of pouring water onto the iconic Farnese lilies. Measuring just 4 cm in diameter and weighing under 40 grams, it exemplifies the Renaissance fascination with small-scale sculpture. Created in 1545 for the powerful Farnese family—likel...