Jupiter (?) 1585 - 1599

Girolamo Campagna created this bronze statuette, possibly depicting Jupiter, sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Notice how the figure embodies a dynamic sense of movement. Campagna captures the god in contrapposto, a pose where the weight is shifted to one leg, creating a curve in the torso. The artist uses texture to convey a sense of realism and drama. The rough, unpolished surfaces contrast with the smoother areas, highlighting the play of light and shadow on the bronze. The god’s gaze is directed upwards. Campagna's choice of bronze, with its dark, reflective surface, enhances the sculpture's dramatic presence, embodying the power and majesty associated with Jupiter. The turn of the head and the gesture of the arms suggest that Campagna was aware of the changing norms and the rise of Mannerism. This sculpture suggests both a classical appreciation for form and a new era of stylistic experimentation.