Cupid on a Dolphin
c. 1635/1660
Medium
bronze//Dark lacquer (rubbed in exposed areas) over light brown bronze
Dimensions
overall: 8.1 x 5.1 x 7.7 cm (3 3/16 x 2 x 3 1/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.50
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Samuel H. Kress Collection the National Gallery of Art *Cupid on a Dolphin* (c. 1635/0) is a delightful bronze sculpture from the workshop Francesco Fanelli, an artist renowned for his intricate small-scale works. Fanelli, who served English court of Charles I, drew fromist traditions inspired by Giambologna, dynamic poses with mythological whimsy. This piece captures the playful spirit of Baroque sculpture, depicting the cherubic god of love astride a sinuous dolphin—a classical motif symbolizing amorous adventures across land and sea. Crafted from light brown bronze coated wi...