Bust of Hercules

Unknown

late 16th–early 17th century · Sardonyx, gold, enamel, diamonds, and rubies · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

The Italian Renaissance brought with it a wholehearted embrace of classical antiquity throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Emulation of ancient cameos played a large part. Carvers invested ancient myths with increasingly refined compositions and techniques, paying close attention to the latest archaeological discoveries. Demand for Italian carvers took them to all the courts of Europe. Milan in particular developed a taste for cameos with wondrous atmospheric effects.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 16th–early 17th century

Medium

Sardonyx, gold, enamel, diamonds, and rubies

Culture

Italian

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Milton Weil Collection, 1939