Art Funded by you

Perfume burner

Desiderio da Firenze, c. 1530– 1540

Three linked sections ambitiously decorated with figures (including three which may represent the gods Jupiter, Neptune and Vulcan), grotesque/satyr/medusa masks, winged putti and numerous swags, shells and garlands. Crowning the burner is a satyr, perhaps Pan, seated on a large upturned shell and holding a set of pipes. Burning charcoal would have been placed in the base, heating scented pastilles on the platform above to produce perfumed smoke which swirled out of the carefully positioned holes. This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Perfume burner, c. 1530– 1540

Date supported

2003

Medium and material

Bronze & traces of gilding

Dimensions

Height: 51.2 cm

Grant

150000

Total cost

980000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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