Saturn

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Saturn** *Girolamo Scars, Italian, active c. 1670, ca. 1670* Step into the world of 17th-century with *Saturn*, a captivating depiction of the mythological figure by Girolamo Scarselli an artist active around 1670. Classified among "figures" in the Smithsonian American Art's collection, this work evokes the Roman god Saturn—known for his associations with time, agriculture, and the Age in classical lore. Created during a period when Italian artists frequently drew on ancient myths to explore themes of power and mortality, Scarselli's piece reflects the era's fascination with humanistic and allegorical subjects, bridging Renaissance traditions with emerging Baroque expressiveness. Though the medium remains unidentified amid ongoing research, *Saturn* stands as a testament to the Hewitt sisters' discerning eye—Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt gifted it to the Smithsonian, enriching its holdings with European treasures. Displayed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, it invites us to ponder the god's complex legacy, from benevolent ruler to devourer of his children, as interpreted through an Italian lens. This elusive artwork sparks curiosity, reminding visitors of art history's ongoing discoveries and the timeless allure of classical narratives.