The Prophet Balaam by Tommaso Porlezza della Porta

The Prophet Balaam 1575 - 1577

tommasoporlezzadellaporta

3d sculpting

sculpture

3d character model

charcoal drawing

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

sculpting

vertical object

charcoal

statue

"The Prophet Balaam" is a terracotta sculpture by Tommaso Porlezza della Porta, created between 1575 and 1577. The sculpture depicts the biblical prophet Balaam, seated with a donkey at his side, referencing the story of Balaam's talking donkey. The piece exemplifies the artist's skill in depicting realistic anatomy and drapery, highlighting the influence of the Mannerist style prevalent in 16th-century Italy. The sculpture's unfinished state suggests it may have been a study for a larger work.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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This sculpted modello or bozzetto is a design for a statue of the prophet Balaam intended for the basilica of the pilgrimage site of Loreto in Central Italy. The church was built around the Santa Casa, the house where, according to legend, the Virgin was born. The statuette stands out for its virtuoso modelling, as in the figure’s right arm and hand. It was long thought to be by Michelangelo.