This statuette or firedog figure representing Bacchus is made in the style of Nicolò Roccatagliata in Venice in Italy in about 1590-1625.
Niccolo Roccatagliata (active 1593-1636), was an Italian sculptor, mostly producing work in Venice. In the 1590s the centre of his activity was San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. Another important work, done in 1633, is the altar frontal in S Moise, in Venice. It is his last work. Bacchus is the Roman god of wine (Greek equivalent is Dionysos).
Firedogs or andirons were placed within the fireplace and would have been used to hold utensials which were required for tending the fire. Often, firedogs do not even appear on inventories, which indicates their status as standard household objects, not necessarily worthy of particular note.
