possibly a cast of the bozzetto of the larger sculpture modeled by Giovanni Bologna for a statue at the Medici Villa of Castello, outside Florence; base is of a later date

Florence or Venus, first half of the 17th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

It is possible that this is an early example of a Grand Tour bronze, brought back by a young nobleman from England or Northern Europe from his journey to Italy. It is based upon a life-sized fountain figure of Fiorenza (a personification of the city of Florence), which the Flemish sculptor Giambologna made for the Medici villa in Castello near Florence around 1560. Giambologna was inspired for the pose of his figure by an ancient statue type, so it's possible that this caster also wanted to depict Venus--the Graeco-Roman goddess of love--drying her hair after she stepped ashore the island of Cyprus.

Explore

Audio

Bologna, La Fiorenza (#546)
Details
Title
Florence or Venus
Role
Artist
Accession Number
80.26
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

possibly a cast of the bozzetto of the larger sculpture modeled by Giovanni Bologna for a statue at the Medici Villa of Castello, outside Florence; base is of a later date