The Sacrifice of a Swine 1500 - 1515

"The Sacrifice of a Swine" was made in bronze by Andrea Briosco, called Riccio. The composition is immediately striking: a dense, symmetrical arrangement of figures under an imposing architectural arch. Riccio masterfully uses the limited space to create a powerful sense of depth. The texture is rough and pronounced, lending the scene a dynamic, almost chaotic energy, which can feel overwhelming. The formal elements suggest a broader philosophical perspective. The sacrifice is not simply an act, but a structured event that questions the principles of faith and power. The kneeling figure and the impending sacrifice invite us to question fixed meanings, reflecting a Renaissance concern with humanism. This bronze piece is more than just a depiction, it is a site of ongoing interpretation, where formal qualities intersect with cultural and philosophical discourse.