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The Forge of Vulcan
German (Nuremberg)
1570–80
Object Place: Europe, Nuremberg, Germany
Medium/Technique
Metal; bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 6 1/4 in.
Credit Line
Frederick Brown Fund
Accession Number62.1167
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSculpture
The scene of the Forge of Vulcan was often associated with the sculptor working in bronze. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, was considered the greatest metal worker and an image of his forge could be seen as an emblem of artistic creativity.
DescriptionBased on engraving by Cornelius Bosch (1546) after Heemskerk's painting (1536). Circular plaque, cast bronze, narrow wreath with irregularly spaced holes encloses low relief landscape for four men, forge at left, women and child at right in higher relief.
ProvenanceJohan Quirijn van Regteren Altena (b. 1899 - d. 1980), Amsterdam; sold by Regteren Altena to Nystad Antiquairs, The Hague; 1962, sold by Nystad to the MFA for $1,100. (Accession Date: December 12, 1962)