The Baptism in the Jordan
Valerio Belli
1537 or after
Medium
bronze//Very dark patina
Dimensions
overall: 6 x 5.9 cm (2 3/8 x 2 5/16 in.) gross weight: 81 gr
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.485
About the Artist
Valerio Belli
Valerio Belli (c. 1468–1546) was an Italian gem engraver and goldsmith of exceptional distinction, celebrated in his own lifetime as the finest intaglio carver of the Renaissance. Born in Vicenza, he worked primarily in rock crystal, a notoriously difficult material that rewards mastery with extraordinary translucency and brilliance. He studied the antique gems and cameos that were being excavated...