Bust of a Warrior
1850/1870
Medium
terracotta
Dimensions
overall: 62.3 x 55 x 25.9 cm (24 1/2 x 21 5/8 x 10 3/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1943.4.74
Art Historical Context
Behold the **Bust of a Warrior a striking terracotta sculpture crafted by an imitator of Renaissance master Antonio del Pollaiuolo around 1850–1870. Measuring an imposing 62.3 x 55 x 25.9 cm, this life-sized bust captures the fierce intensity of its subject, with finely modeled features that evoke the classical warrior ideal. Terracotta, unglazed fired clay, was a favored medium for sculptors, prized for its malleability that allowed intricate detailing of anatomy, drapery, and expression—hallmarks of Pollaiuolo's innovative style. Antonio del Pollaiuolo (c. 1433–1498) revolutionized Florenti...