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The Age of bronze
Artist: CORTONA, Pietro da, (after)
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Collection Area
Art
Item Number
NMW A 3884
Creation/Production
CORTONA, Pietro da, (after)
Role: Creation
Date:
Acquisition
Bequest, 25/2/1925
Location
In store
Comments - (1)
The subject is taken from the first chapter of Ovid's Metamorphosis, where he relates the creation of the universe and continues with the Four Ages of man, those being Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron, characterised by the decline from in the Golden period of innocence and abundance eventually to decadence and depravity in the Age of Iron. The narrative can be compared to the story of creation in Genesis.
Returning to Pietro da Cortona, his most flamboyant and arresting work can be seen in his Italian church decoration, one of the finest examples being in the Cheisa Nuova in Rome, where he decorated the dome, tribune and nave