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Water Works: Bernini on Piazza Navona

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Art Object
Program Information

Water Works: Bernini on Piazza Navona

Program information

In conjunction with the exhibition Bernini: Sculpting in Clay (on view October 3, 2012–January 6, 2013), Tod Marder, Professor II, Department of Art History, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, outlines the methods Bernini used to design and construct the fountains in Piazza Navona in Rome. Marder also discusses how Bernini's use of models helped him gain valuable commissions and ensure that his fountains would be accurately constructed.

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The Demidoff Table

Lorenzo Bartolini  (Italian, 1777–1850)

Date:
1845
Culture:
Italian, Florence
Medium:
Marble
Dimensions:
Overall (confirmed): H. 64 3/8 x W. 51 1/4 x Diam. 49 3/4 x in. (163.5 x 130.2 x 126.4 cm)
Classification:
Sculpture
Credit Line:
Gift of le Duc de Loubat, 1903
Accession Number:
03.11a–d

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 555

  • Description

    Commissioned by Count Anatoly Nicolaevich Demidoff.
    The subject is a complex, cosmological allegory best described in the sculptor's own words: "Stretched out upon the plan of the world is Cupid, god of generation, sustaining and watching over the symbolic genius of dissolute wealth without virtue, who snores in his sleep . . . dreaming of past diversions in pleasure. Left to himself, the genius of ambitious rectitude in work sleeps the agitated sleep of misfortune and glory. . . his head extending beyond the periphery of the world."
    The original plaster is in the Gipsoteca Bartoliniana, Florence.

  • Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

    Signature: Signed, and dated (on side of quiver): Bartolini fece 1845 Firenze [executed by Bartolini 1845 Florence]

    Inscription: On side of quiver: Di commissione del principe / Anatolio Demidoff [Ordered by the prince/Anatole Demidoff]

  • Provenance

    Commissioned by Prince Anatole Demidov , Villa San Donato, near Florence (1845–d. 1870; his sale, March 4, 1870, no. 228; to Loubat for Fr. 3,400); Joseph H. de Loubat , Paris, (1870–1903; his gift to MMA)

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    Who
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    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
    MetPublications
120003236

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