About this artwork
This engraving comes from a series of columnar panels based on architectural sculpture from the 14th century. The set of 12 could be cut out and used as wall decorations or framing devices. The many mythological creatures in this series, such as the Triton and Nereid, exemplify the grotesque decorative style that was popular at the time. Palaces, tombs, and villas in this style were unearthed around Rome and Naples, especially the Emperor Nero’s Domus Aurea palace, which had ancient wall paintings intact. Many Italian Renaissance artists were interested in renewing this ancient style and copied it frequently.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Prints and Drawings
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Artist
- Giovan Pietro Birago
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Title
- Nereid Ridden by Two Children, plate six of Twelve Ornament Panels
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Place
- Italy (Artist's nationality)
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Date
- 1505–1515
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Medium
- Engraving on grayish ivory laid paper
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Dimensions
- Plate: 55 × 8.9 cm (21 11/16 × 3 9/16 in.); Sheet: 55.2 × 10.6 cm (21 3/4 × 4 3/16 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Potter Palmer, Jr.
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Reference Number
- 1937.107
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/23448/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
