The Genius of Cosimo I de’ Medici (‘Genio Mediceo’)

Bartolomeo Ammanati, 1556 - 1557

This red wax statuette is the modello for a much larger fountain sculpture that was cast in bronze for Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in Florence. The nude boy is a genius, a guardian spirit from classical antiquity, holding up a globe, symbolizing the earthly cosmos (‘cosmo’). Like the Capricorn under his arm, signifying the duke’s astrological sign, it too alludes to Cosimo.

  • Artwork typefigure
  • Object numberBK-2018-6
  • Dimensionsheight 31.5 cm x width 9.5 cm x depth 17 cm x height 43 cm x width 9.5 cm x depth 17 cm
  • Physical characteristicsGemodelleerd in bruinrode, gepigmenteerde bijenwas om een draadarmatuur; gemonteerd op een houten ronde en moderne sokkel.