Herms: Two Men

1535

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Agostino Veneziano [Agostino dei Musi]

Herms: Two Men

Agostino Veneziano [Agostino dei Musi]

Herms: Two Men

1535

Physical Qualities Engraving, Sheet: 205 x 124 mm. (8 1/16 x 4 7/8 in.)

Credit Line Garrett Collection

Object Number 1946.112.3658

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.

Inscribed: lower left in plate: "1536 / A.V."; lower right in plate: "12"

Markings: CM: Claghorn