16 1/4 in. x 8 in. x 8 in. (41.28 cm x 20.32 cm x 20.32 cm)
Bryn Mawr College
Accession Number:
2013.4.15.2
Geography:
Europe, Italy, Naples
Classification:
Fine and Visual Arts; Sculptures; Bronzes
Culture/Nationality:
Italian
Collection:
Deanery Collection
In September of 1920, M. Carey Thomas placed an order for a set of bronze fountain ornaments for the Deanery garden with the Fonderia Chiurazzi in Naples, Italy. Among this group of bronzes, which included ten “amours” (wingless putti on rectangular bases), were two sea serpents. All were stored seasonally in the basement of the Deanery, but the survival of the serpent ornaments in particular is owing to the fact that they never spewed water correctly and were therefore stored permanently. The other bronzes in the set have all disappeared.
Keywords
Click a term to view the records with the same keyword
adornments
- Decorative forms or embellishments that are an integral part of a building or object but are not essential to its structure. Refers also to decorative objects attached to or worn by humans and animals. For objects signifying an honor bestowed upon an individual, usually worn on the person, see "decorations." Regarding techniques of embellishment in general, see "decoration (process)."
Animalia
- Kingdom containing multicellular organisms having cells bound by a plasma membrane and organized into tissue and specialized tissue systems that permit them to either move about in search of food or to draw food toward themselves. Unable to make their own food within themselves, as photosynthetic plants do, they rely on consuming preformed food. They possess a nervous system with sensory and motor nerves, enabling them to receive environmental stimuli and to respond with specialized movements.
bronze
- Refers to a broad range of alloys of copper, specifically any non-ferrous alloy of copper, tin, and zinc or other trace metals. Bronze was made before 3,000 BCE -- possibly as early as 10,000 BCE, although its common use in tools and decorative items is dated only in later artifacts. The proportions of copper and tin vary widely, from 70 to 95 percent copper in surviving ancient artifacts. Because of the copper base, bronze may be very malleable and easy to work. By the Middle Ages in Europe, it was recognized that using the metals in certain proportions could yield specific properties. Some modern bronzes contain no tin at all, substituting other metals such as aluminum, manganese, and even zinc. Historically, the term was used interchangeably with "latten." U.S. standard bronze is composed of 90% copper, 7% tin and 3% zinc. Ancient bronze alloys sometimes contained up to 14% tin.
fountains
- Structures with apertures designed to allow water to spout or flow periodically or continuously, as for amenity or public access.
ornaments
- Decorative forms or embellishments that are an integral part of a building or object but are not essential to its structure. Refers also to decorative objects attached to or worn by humans and animals. For objects signifying an honor bestowed upon an individual, usually worn on the person, see "decorations." Regarding techniques of embellishment in general, see "decoration (process)."
sculpture
- Three-dimensional works of art in which images and forms are produced in relief, in intaglio, or in the round. The term refers particularly to art works created by carving or engraving a hard material, by molding or casting a malleable material (which usually then hardens), or by assembling parts to create a three-dimensional object. It is typically used to refer to large or medium-sized objects made of stone, wood, bronze, or another metal. Small objects are typically referred to as "carvings" or another appropriate term. "Sculpture" refers to works that represent tangible beings, objects, or groups of objects, or are abstract works that have defined edges and boundaries and can be measured. As three-dimensional works become more diffused in space or time, or less tangible, use appropriate specific terms, such as "mail art" or "environmental art."
Exhibition List
This object was included in the following exhibitions:
Home Departure and Destination
Bryn Mawr College
, 10/4/2013 - 12/31/2013
If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:
<ref name=BMC>cite web |url=http://triarte.brynmawr.edu/objects-1/info/189557 |title=Sea Serpent Fountain Ornament |author=Bryn Mawr College Library Special Collections |accessdate=4/11/2021 |publisher=Bryn Mawr College</ref>
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