Artwork

A Wine Decanter with Two Fighting Sea Horses

A Wine Decanter with Two Fighting Sea Horses, by Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters, ink, 1660
A Wine Decanter with Two Fighting Sea Horses, by Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters, ink, 1660

A Wine Decanter with Two Fighting Sea Horses is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Wine Decanter with Two Fighting Sea Horses is a 1660 drawing by the Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters, rendered in pen and brown ink with blue wash over graphite on light beige laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing features a wine decanter topped by two intricately detailed sea horses engaged in combat. Their dynamic poses, with flowing manes and tails, convey a sense of motion and energy.

Technique & Style

The artist employed cross-hatching to achieve texture and depth, particularly evident in the sea horses' detailed forms. This technique contributes to the overall dynamic energy of the composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1660, the drawing is attributed to the Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters, a designation suggesting a connection to the Medici family's decorative arts commissions.

Context

The work reflects the Baroque period's emphasis on movement and tension, as seen in the struggling sea horses. The decanter itself may allude to the Medici family's association with luxury and hospitality.

Legacy

While the Master of the Medici Banquet Decanters is not widely recognized outside of specific art historical contexts, this drawing demonstrates the artist's skill in capturing dynamic movement and texture through precise draftsmanship.

Artist & collection

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