Seated sheep 1750 - 1799

"Seated Sheep" is a small, intricately carved wooden sculpture created by Nicola Vassalo between 1750 and 1799. The sculpture is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This detailed piece captures the soft wool of a sheep, likely intended as part of a Nativity scene, and demonstrates Vassalo's skill in carving naturalism. The sculpture’s small scale, less than 5 inches high, adds to its charm and intimacy. Vassalo’s work, a highlight of the Baroque and Rococo periods, often focused on realistic depictions of animals, offering viewers a glimpse into the artistry of 18th-century sculpture.