Search the collections

Siren

Fullscreen

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock

David Roentgen: Long-Case Clock
(00:00:52)

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet

The Roentgens' Berlin Secretary Cabinet
(00:02:20) 11927 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Demonstration
(00:02:17) 18728 views

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation

Rolltop Desk by David Roentgen: Animation
(00:01:00) 3200 views

Related Content

Omphale

Omphale

Reclining female

Reclining female

Bust of Christ

Bust of Christ

Giuliano and Clemente della Rovere

Giuliano and Clemente della Rovere

Innocent IX (Pope, 1591)

Innocent IX (Pope, 1591)

Browse current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Exhibitions:

Events:

Events:

Siren

possibly commissioned by the Colonna 

Date:
ca. 1571–90
Culture:
Italian, Rome
Medium:
Bronze
Dimensions:
Overall (confirmed): H. 32 1/8 x W. 44 3/4 x D. 13 3/8 in., 130lb. (81.6 x 113.7 x 34 cm, 58.9676kg)
Classification:
Sculpture
Credit Line:
Rogers and Edith Perry Chapman Funds, 2000
Accession Number:
2000.69

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 503

  • Description

    The siren, crowned and holding her two tails, was a heraldic device of the Colonna, a powerful Roman family. In all likelihood, this siren is the bronze named in a 1644 Barberini inventory, a Colonna princess having married into that family. It was no doubt intended for placement at a considerable height outdoors, where the extraordinary tumble of hair would be seen to full advantage.

  • Provenance

    possibly commissioned by Colonna family, Rome ; Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte , via di Ripetta, Rome (by 1627) ; Cardinal Antonio Barberini (by 1644), and later Palazzo Barberini ai Giubbonari (by 1671) , Palazzo Barberini alle Quattro Fontane (by 1644), and later Palazzo Barberini ai Giubbonari (by 1671); his nephew, Maffeo Barberini , Palazzo Barberini alle Quattro Fontane (by ca. 1680) , Palazzo Barberini alle Quattro Fontane (by ca. 1680); proably descended in the Barberini family (until at least the 1720s) ; Rothschild family , Pregny, Switzerland ; [ Alain Moatti (until 2000; sold to MMA) ]

  • See also
    Who
    What
    Where
    When
    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
    MetPublications
120026918

Close