The Goldsmith

Although this work portrays a goldsmith laboring over an inanimate sculpture, it is intended to suggest a strong dimension of human relationship. The sculpture is figural, and the metalworker embraces the work so tenderly that it could almost be viewed as a real person. In turn, the sculpture, representing the virtue of Charity, embraces the children at her waist. Both the artist’s and Charity’s heads are bowed, suggesting an emotional bond between artist and the subject of his work.