Artwork
Brazen Serpent, from Michael Angelo
Brazen Serpent, from Michael Angelo is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William Sharp. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Brazen Serpent, from Michael Angelo is a lithograph created by William Sharp in 1829, depicting a dramatic, crowded scene with a central figure holding a serpent coiled around a staff.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates a scene of tension and drama, with a mix of clothed and nude figures reacting to the central figure grasping the serpent-staff, evoking a sense of foreboding or crisis.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the work utilizes a range of grays to achieve depth and dimension, with expressive shading highlighting the emotional intensity of the scene.
History & Provenance
This is a proof before letters, indicating an early stage in the print's production process, though specific ownership or exhibition history is not provided.
Context
The title references Michelangelo, suggesting an artistic nod or interpretation of a biblical theme (Numbers 21:4-9), where the brazen serpent symbolizes salvation or healing.
Artist & collection
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