Aeolipile (Steamblower)
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.Intended to be filled partway with water through an opening in the sphinx’s headpiece and then heated, this mysterious vessel releases pressurized steam through a pin-sized hole between her lips. If blown over glowing coals, the steam can create a flammable gas composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, so that the sculpture appears to spit fire just like the mythological sphinx. Artistically crafted aeolipiles served as display pieces and were used to distribute the heat of hearth fires.
Artwork Details
- Title: Aeolipile (Steamblower)
- Date: ca. 1590–1600
- Culture: Southern German, Augsburg or Bohemian, Prague
- Medium: Bronze with dark patina, silver
- Dimensions: 15 3/4 × 10 13/16 × 12 1/2 in. (40 × 27.5 × 31.7 cm)
- Classification: Sculpture-Bronze
- Credit Line: The Hearn Family Trust
- Object Number: L.2023.16.2a, b
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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