Relief with Amaltea Goat

There is no verifiable information about the origin of this graceful relief in Carrara marble. The figures emerge with great potency from the material, which is worked with great technical skill, as can be seen by the skilful use of the drilling implement, dating back to sculpture from the late Roman empire. The strong but balanced chiaroscuro emphasises the overall movement of the piece, which is further enhanced by the elliptical form. The choice of the theme and the lively rhythm of the relief suggest that this small sculpture was part of the vogue for Emilian classicism during the first half of the 17th century.