Bust of an African boy

late 16th century

Not on view

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.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Bust of an African boy
Date: late 16th century
Culture: Italian, probably Venice
Medium: Sardonyx and gold
Dimensions: Overall: 5/8 x 7/16in. (1.6 x 1.1cm); visible cameo: 15.8 x 13.2 mm
Classification: Lapidary Work-Gems
Credit Line: The Milton Weil Collection, 1938
Object Number: 38.150.27
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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