On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P05263
- Author
- Bassano, Jacopo (Italian)
- Title
- Vulcan's Forge
- Chronology
- Ca. 1585
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 250 cm x 407 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
This forge with characters wearing
contemporary clothing —only Cupid
reveals the work's mythological
character— is an excuse for showing
how light alters the textures and
qualities of surfaces it
illuminates, be they bodies, or
copper, steel, glass or clay
objects. Such virtuosity was much
appreciated by the public.
This is one of Jacopo's most
impressive late works, the result
of a profound study of late Titian,
and here, the aged artist proves to
be the true heir to the colorist
from Pieve di Cadore.
This work was first listed in 1666
at the “Hall of Mirrors” of
Madrid's Alcázar Palace, where it
was paired with Veronese's Christ
with the Doctors in the Temple
(P491).
Location on the map




