Ornament frieze with winged Centaur 1531 - 1576

This etching by Giulio Bonasone, created between 1531 and 1576, showcases a winged Centaur, a mythological creature, engaging in an elaborate frieze. The artwork is an excellent example of Renaissance ornamental art, characterized by intricate details and stylized elements. The scene features a winged Centaur, holding a flaming torch and adorned with a serpent, while a putto rides a horse, both figures entwined in an elaborate floral design. This frieze demonstrates Bonasone's mastery of printmaking and his ability to depict complex compositions with precise lines and shading. The etching, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the enduring popularity of mythological motifs in Renaissance art.