Pair of double-headed monsters

Unknown

late 17th century · Bronze, with black lacquer patina · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Venice is suggested only as a possible place of origin for these exceptionally vigorous Baroque creatures; Augsburg and even France would be equally plausible. It is no easier to reconstruct the purpose for which they were made. Their undersides are slightly flattened and pierced for attachment, so that they could have flanked a bust on an elaborate pedestal, or, perhaps more likely, they may have embellished a fountain. [James D. Draper, 1984]

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 17th century

Medium

Bronze, with black lacquer patina

Culture

Italian, possibly Venice

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Jack and Belle Linsky Collection, 1982