Master I.S.A.

Italian, active first half 16th century

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The sculpture is a round relief medallion with a male figure in a dynamic scene. The figure has one arm raised, holding a small object, while a reclining figure is below. The background has stylized trees or branches. The medallion is dark metal, possibly bronze, with a tarnished finish. The details are well-defined, and there is a small hole at the top.
Master I.S.A., An Allegorical Scene, bronze//Medium brown patina, Samuel H. Kress Collection, 1957.14.351

An Allegorical Scene

Master I.S.A. · bronze//Medium brown patina ·  Accession ID  1957.14.351
The image shows a round, bronze medallion with two figures. On the right, a seated winged figure holds a quill pen and a circular object in her left hand. Opposite her is a smaller winged figure holding a leafy branch. In the background, there is a tall, slender tree. The medallion has a weathered appearance and the figures are in relief. A small circular hole at the top suggests it could be hung.
Master I.S.A., Allegorical Scene [reverse], bronze//Medium red-brown patina, Samuel H. Kress Collection, 1957.14.352.b

Allegorical Scene [reverse]

Master I.S.A. · bronze//Medium red-brown patina ·  Accession ID  1957.14.352.b
The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring a relief depiction of a male figure holding a snake in one hand as he looks back over his shoulder. He is partially draped and appears muscular. In the background, there is a tree and an urn with extended, wing-like handles. The sculpture is made of a brown material with a textured surface, likely bronze or a similar metal. The word "VIRTUS" is inscribed at the bottom of the medallion. There is a hole at the top of the piece, possibly for suspension. The design captures a detailed scene within the small round space, reminiscent of historical emblems or medals.
Master I.S.A., Allegorical Scene [obverse], bronze//Medium red-brown patina, Samuel H. Kress Collection, 1957.14.352.a

Allegorical Scene [obverse]

Master I.S.A. · bronze//Medium red-brown patina ·  Accession ID  1957.14.352.a
The sculpture depicts two figures engaged in distinct activities. On the left, there is a figure playing a lyre. The figure is bent slightly towards the musical instrument. To the right, another figure holds a tool, seemingly chiseling or working on a structure at a small table. Both figures have detailed facial expressions and clothing, and they are set against a backdrop that includes a stylized plant design. The sculpture is a bas-relief with a rectangular shape and is crafted from a material that resembles bronze or a similar metal with a darkened patina and highlights. The texture and color of the sculpture suggest aged and weathered metal, giving it an antique appearance. The figures appear in a naturalistic style, though simplified and captured in mid-action.
Master I.S.A., Apollo and Vulcan, silvered bronze, Samuel H. Kress Collection, 1957.14.353

Apollo and Vulcan

Master I.S.A. · silvered bronze ·  Accession ID  1957.14.353