ANONYMOUS, ITALIAN, 16TH CENTURY ?, AFTER AGOSTINO VENEZIANO (AGOSTINO DEI MUSI). Grotesque with a Female Figure (Minerva?) in a Temple-like Structure with a Cupola
Grotesque with a Female Figure (Minerva?) in a Temple-like Structure with a Cupola. Artist: After Agostino Veneziano (Agostino dei Musi) (Italian, Venice ca. 1490-after 1536 Rome); Anonymous, Italian, 16th century ?. Dimensions: Sheet: 8 9/16 x 5 5/8 in. (21.8 x 14.3 cm). Date: 1540 after.
Grotesque after a print by Agostino Veneziano thought to have been published arund 1530. The design is characterized by a an architectural structure with a cupola in the middle. The structure is open on all sides but the back, and in it a female figure with a helmet, possibly Minerva, is visible. The building is supported by a foot which is flanked on both sides by cupids. They hold onto meandering acanthus scrolls which form the basis for a decorative structure made up out of vases and garlands.