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1 of 253523 objects
Adriaen de Vries (c. 1556-1626)
Rudolf II introducing the Liberal Arts to Bohemia signed & dated 1609
59.4 x 84.3 x 13.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 35858
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Bronze relief depicting the Emperor Rudolf II on horseback, dressed in Roman armour, mounted on a rearing horse and leading a procession of figures emblematic of the Liberal Arts, led by Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, against an idealised architectural backdrop. The emperor's horse tramples on Ignorance, whilst in the background Hercules weilds his club at a fleeing satyr. Figures of Fame and Bohemia frame the foreground,
By reaching out to touch the hand of the figure of Painting, the Emperor appears to be showing favour to her art above all others. Yet by his skill in accomplishing the relief itself in answer to a commission from the Emperor, de Vries makes his own case for the supremacy of Sculpture.Provenance
First recorded in the 1607-11 inventory of Rudolf II's Kunstkammer in Prague Castle. Removed to Sweden in 1648. In London by 1775. Purchased by George IV from Rundell, Bridge & Rundell in 1828 (100 guineas).
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Measurements
59.4 x 84.3 x 13.0 cm (whole object)
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