Nicoletto da Modena
Italian, active c. 1500–c. 1520
Ornament Panel with Mars, God of Battles
INV-2338
Nicoletto da Modena
Italian, active c. 1500–c. 1520c. 1507
Ornament Panel with Mars, God of Battles
Nicoletto da Modena Italian, active c. 1500–c. 1520 →engravingprint
Date
c. 1507
Medium
Engraving on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Image/plate: 26.4 × 12.8 cm (10 7/16 × 5 1/16 in.); Sheet: 26.5 × 13.3 cm (10 7/16 × 5 1/4 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Potter Palmer, Jr.
This ornamental image consisting of loosely connected motifs is part of a series of four grotteschi. The grotesque style became popular in Rome in the late 15th century. Its name comes from the word grotto, used to describe the wall decorations on the Golden House of the Roman emperor Nero, which had only recently been rediscovered underground. This work combines symbols of warfare and triumph. Mars, the Roman god of war, is crowned with wreaths by winged Victories. Captives, armor, and satyrs also decorate the sheet.
Also notable
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