Saturday, July 14, 2012

Antico: Pier Jacopo Alari de Bonacolsi

Italian sculptor Pier Jacopo Alari de Bonacolsi (1455-1528) was known as "Antico" because of his knowledge of, and love for, ancient sculpture. In the employ of the princely Gonzaga family of Mantua, he crafted exquisite miniature copies of classical works in sumptuous bronze. The Frick gallery has a show of his work, which you can read about here. These copies helped to define the canon of famous classical works, since few people could see the originals.





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