A Nymph on a Dolphin 

This bronze plaquette, “A Nymph on a Dolphin,” was made by Francesco Marti in the early 16th century. The work is a testament to the artist's mastery of bronze casting, and its material qualities significantly influence its appearance. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, lends a warm, reddish-brown hue and a sense of durability to the piece. The casting process involves creating a mold, pouring molten bronze into it, and allowing it to cool and solidify. The level of detail achieved speaks to Marti's skillful handling of the material. This was a laborious process. Each stage involved specialized knowledge and physical effort. The plaquette's smooth surface and intricate details invite tactile exploration, despite its small scale. The depiction of a mythological scene, with a nymph riding a dolphin, evokes a sense of classical antiquity. The bronze medium reinforces this connection, as it was widely used in ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. Considering this plaquette through the lens of materiality and making allows us to appreciate the artist's technical skill and the cultural significance of bronze as a medium.