Perfume burner c. 1540

Desiderio da Firenze's bronze "Perfume burner" (c. 1540) is a complex and beautifully crafted piece of Renaissance art. The intricate design features a central figure of a warrior, atop a cylindrical base adorned with floral motifs and flanked by winged creatures. Below this, the base expands into a more elaborate structure, with putti figures supporting the weight and intricate ornamentation detailing the base, including a serpentine design. The burner is a testament to the artistic skill of Desiderio da Firenze, a Florentine sculptor active during the 16th century, who created this piece shortly before his death in 1545.