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Bearded Man on a Donkey accompanied by Four Boys (The Song of Silenus?)

ca. 1500–1520
Not on view
This recently discovered sculpture relates in style to Bellano’s David with the Head of Goliath (64.304.1). Around 1500, casting techniques were not yet advanced enough to produce freestanding, multifigure statuettes in bronze. Terracotta provided a respected, classical medium for this ambitious group.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bearded Man on a Donkey accompanied by Four Boys (The Song of Silenus?)
  • Date: ca. 1500–1520
  • Culture: Italian, Padua
  • Medium: Terracotta, with traces of bronze-colored coating
  • Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 13 5/16 × 11 5/8 × 6 3/4 in. (33.8 × 29.5 × 17.1 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Brownstein Family Foundation Gift, 2017
  • Object Number: 2017.240
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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