Andiron with Herm Figure of Apollo
Artist
Girolamo Campagna
(Italian, 1549-ca. 1625)
Dateca. 1600
MediumBronze
DimensionsOverall: 60 1/2 in. (153.7 cm)
ClassificationsEuropean art
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.2611
Terms
- Bronze
On View
On viewLabel TextGirolamo Campagna Italian, 1549–ca. 1625 Andiron with Herm Figure of Apollo, ca. 1600 Bronze far right Andiron with Herm Figure of Diana, ca. 1600 Bronze Depicting the ancient gods Apollo (here) and Diana (to the right), these bronze andirons, or firedogs, once adorned a colossal fireplace in a grand Italian palace. The sun god Apollo holds a fiery ray of light, while the moon goddess Diana gathers her gown in her hand. Inspired by antique sculpture, the artist presents the two as herms—half-length figures set atop quadrangular posts that decorated classical Roman villas. As symbols of day and night, the pair evoke the daily alteration of light and dark—a theme likely enhanced by the firelight that once flickered behind them. Gifts of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2611–.2612