Fountain mask. Italy, XVII century.

"Marble Sculpture, Italy 17th Century".
Marble sculpture, fountain mascaron representing the River God
Italy, Rome 17th century

Carved marble mask from a public fountain. It represents a fluvial divinity, as they were often represented in the fountains of ancient Greece, which has inspired the Baroque carver in question. The stream of water comes out of the open mouth. His face is severe, almost aggressive, endowed with a deep expressiveness. He wrinkles his forehead and frowns, transmitting an immense telluric energy, as if he were invoking the subterranean waters of the orb with the power of his mind. Under his thick eyebrows, his almond-shaped eyes and protruding cheekbones protrude. He wears a thick moustache. A knotted handkerchief ornaments his facial oval. The quality of the carving is noteworthy. In Ancient Greece, rivers were personified by gods, such as the Arno, a fluvial divinity of which famous statues were made in the Hellenistic period. These sculptures used to adorn sumptuous fountains.