Permoser's grimacing and contorted stone figures on the Zwinger Palace in Dresden embody the German Baroque in sculpture. This agonizingly expressive bust of Marsyas, carved in Italy early in his career, reveals his absorption of the style of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and forecasts the distinctive manner Permoser would develop in his native country. The tortured expression of the screaming satyr Marsyas, flayed alive after losing a musical contest with the god Apollo, responds especially to Bernini's Damned Soul of 1619. The savage face riven by clenched brows and eyes squinting in pain, however, is distinctly the sculptor's own creation. Deliberately rough, flamelike hair contrasts excruciatingly precise details like the torn tongue. The bust's unfinished back and emplacement for a bracket suggest that it was originally intended for a niche, perhaps in a palace courtyard.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.