DONATELLO
(b. ca. 1386, Firenze, d. 1466, Firenze)

Atys (front view)

c. 1440
Bronze, height 104 cm
Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence

This bronze statuette was mentioned by Vasari in 1568 as a Mercury by Donatello in the house of Giovanbattista d'Agnol Doni. In the 18th century it was put up for sale by the Doni family as an Etruscan idol, according to the indications of various experts. Later Vasari's attribution to Donatello was accepted and the statuette has been labelled with various names - Mercury, Perseus, Pantheus, young Hercules, Atys beloved of the goddess Cybele, Cupid.

The statuette was conceived in the same spirit as the putti of the Cantoria, therefore it is datable prior to 1440. Traces of original gilding can be seen on the belt, hair and wings.




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