Satyress with vase (one of a pair) 1535 - 1555

This bronze sculpture of a Satyress with vase was made in Padua, Italy, around the early 16th century by Andrea Briosco, called Riccio. Bronze is an alloy primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. These components would have been heated to a high temperature and poured into a mold using the lost wax method. After the metal cooled, the mold would have been broken away. This process would allow for the creation of highly detailed, durable forms. The smooth surface of the bronze allows the form to shine, with its brown color imbuing the figure with warmth and vitality. The material is suited to the classical subject, a mythological creature that is half-human, half-animal. The making of a bronze figure like this would have required a team of artisans, each with specialized skills. The statue represents a culmination of technical knowledge, artistic vision, and skilled labor. When we appreciate the artistry of this work, we are acknowledging these historical methods and social context, seeing beyond established boundaries of art and craft.