Existing comment:
Silenus
In addition to monumental marble sculptures, sixteenth-century artists were captivated by reliefs carved on the many ancient sarcophagi visible in the churches, public places, and private palaces of Rome. Printmakers in the circle of the renowned High Renaissance painter Raphael (1483 – 1520) produced engravings based on these objects, such as Agostino Veneziano's scene of revelry depicting Silenus, the drunken companion of the god of wine, Bacchus. Copied onto ceramics, ancient compositions reached new audiences, permeating the daily lives of refined patrons. The famous maiolica plate by Nicola da Urbino was part of a service made for Isabella d'Este, the learned marchioness of Mantua and one of the most sophisticated art collectors of her time. |