Agostino Veneziano [Agostino dei Musi]
Herms: Hercules
1525
Physical Qualities
Engraving, Sheet: 197 x 127 mm. (7 3/4 x 5 in.)
Credit Line
Garrett Collection
Object Number
1946.112.3655
These figures, called herms, are classically inspired architectural elements characterized by a plain shaft topped with a head, bust, or torso. Seemingly half human and half stone, they played with the dialogue between art and life popular in the Renaissance. Agostino
Veneziano underscores this theme by giving the figures remarkably life-like expressions, as if to show that a print can outdo sculpture in the game of mimicry.
Susan Dackerman, The Baltimore Museum of Art, "The Pious & the Profane in Renaissance Prints," September 23, 1998-January 3, 1999.
Elizabeth Rodini et al., BMA, "Printed Sculpture/Sculpted Prints," 14 November 2007 - 23 March 2008, no. 24-27, p. 8, ill. p. 7.
Elizabeth Rodini et al., BMA, "Printed Sculpture/Sculpted Prints," 14 November 2007 - 23 March 2008, no. 24-27, p. 8, ill. p. 7.
Inscribed: lower center in plate: "SIC ROME IN IMPLVVIO EX MARMORE / SCULP / MDXXXVI / .A.V."
Markings: WM: Anchor encircled; CM: Claghorn
Artist
Agostino Veneziano [Agostino dei Musi]
1489–1539
Italian, 1490-1540
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