Artwork

The Statue of Marforio

The Statue of Marforio, by Italian 16th Century, ink, 1550
The Statue of Marforio, by Italian 16th Century, ink, 1550

The Statue of Marforio is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Italian 16th Century. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Statue of Marforio is a 16th-century Italian engraving by Antonio Lafreri, documenting an ancient statue.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts the talking statue of Oceanus, an important relic in Rome that was relocated multiple times before coming to rest in the piazza del Campidoglio.

Technique & Style

Executed in engraving, a printmaking technique, the work provides a visual record of the statue's appearance.

History & Provenance

The statue itself was moved several times within Rome, ultimately settling in the piazza del Campidoglio, indicating its significance to the city.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Italian 16th Century

Artist

Italian 16th Century

A 16th-century Italian sculptor left us small bronze works in dark brown and gold.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.