Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

The sculpture depicts a male figure holding a cross staff in his right hand. His left arm is extended outward with an open hand, and a stream of small orbs emerges from the hand. The male figure has long, wavy hair and a beard, along with detailed facial features. He is draped in cloth around the waist, emphasizing muscular details. The sculpture is crafted from a gold-colored material, giving it a luminous quality. Its size and form suggest it could be a relief or flat figure for mounting or attachment.

The Redeemer

Roman 15th Century

second half 15th century

Gilded bronze Accession ID 1957.14.581

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a circular medallion carved with eight figures standing together. The figures are intricately detailed and appear to be in interaction, some gesturing or holding staffs. The medallion is a warm, brownish color with a patina, giving it a rustic yet refined appearance. It sits against a black background, providing a detailed three-dimensional relief of the figures' attire and postures.

The Sacrifice of Iphigenia

Master of the Orpheus Legend

fourth quarter 15th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.231

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a painting on a circular plate depicting a battle scene. Warriors clad in medieval armor and helmets engage in combat. The scene includes figures in action poses with swords and shields. In the background, a fortified city with flames and smoke rising from its towers suggests a siege or invasion. Bright colors and detailed ornamentation enhance the drama of the scene. This is in the style of an Italian Renaissance artist like Francesco Xanto Avelli, known for detailed maiolica ceramics depicting historical and mythological scenes.

Charger with the Battle of Roncevaux

Francesco Xanto Avelli

1533

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 2014.136.323

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19

Tall drug bottle with bearded man wearing a helmet looking in a mirror

Orazio Pompei

c. 1540/1550

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 2015.19.3991

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19

The sculpture is a bronze box with raised relief images on its surface. The lid features two cherubic figures holding a ribbon-like object on each side of an ornate pedestal or vase. The bronze material gives the sculpture a dark metallic color with a slightly weathered patina, highlighting the intricate details of the design. The box is rectangular, showcasing elaborate patterns and motifs on its sides, emphasizing its artisan quality. The sculpture's size suggests it is designed to be viewed up close, perhaps intended for personal or decorative use.

A Box

Paduan 16th Century

c. 1500

Bronze//black lacquer over medium brown bronze Accession ID 1957.14.64

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a relief on a square metal plaque. It features three lions and a mounted rider on a horse. The rider is in a dynamic pose riding through a landscape. The lions are positioned around the horse, two in the foreground with raised paws, and another lion beneath the horse. The background shows hills or mountains. The sculpture is a metallic tone, likely bronze, and appears intricately detailed.

A Horseman Attacked by Three Lions

Gianfrancesco Enzola

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.186

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a small, ornate triangular structure resembling a box with a circular opening at the top front. The exterior is adorned with decorative reliefs, including a central face with detailed wavy hair and laurel embellishments around it, and winged cherub-like figures at the top triangle's edges. The sculpture is predominantly dark brown with a metallic finish, suggesting it is made of bronze or a similar metal. The structure stands on small spherical feet, giving it an elevated presence. The design and intricate patterns suggest a classical influence, capturing viewers' attention with its detailed motifs and the craftsmanship of its metallic surface.

A Sand-Box

Paduan 16th Century

c. 1500

Bronze//black lacquer over medium brown bronze Accession ID 1957.14.62

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a cherub, a young winged child with curly hair, shown in a seated position. The cherub leans against a column with a quiver of arrows next to them and is surrounded by a landscape with a small tree and foliage. The bronze-like sculpture has a warm, golden-brown hue with subtle highlights. The cherub's relaxed posture and gentle expression are carved in low relief on a circular medallion, which seems designed for hanging, with a small hole at the top.

A Sleeping Cupid

Pseudo Antonio da Brescia

early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina (rubbed) Accession ID 1957.14.241

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a circular relief featuring three human figures. On the left is a seated male figure, partially reclined back with his right arm bent behind him. In the center stands a figure holding an object, possibly a musical instrument like a lyre. On the right side stands a female figure draped in clothing, holding a staff or spear. The relief is crafted from a brownish material, likely a type of bronze. The figures are depicted in a classical style with attention to clothing folds and muscular definition. The sculpture's oval shape is highlighted by a raised border, and there is a small hole near the top center, possibly for suspension or mounting.

Apollo

Valerio Belli

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.499

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a photograph of an ornate ceramic plate with intricate designs. The plate features a central circular motif with a black bird standing on stylized wheat or hay against an orange background. Surrounding the central motif are blue and gray decorations, including winged cherub-like faces and scrolls, with various words inscribed on them, such as "SPQR," "AMAS," "DIO," and "GADI." The plate has a richly detailed and symmetrical design, combining vibrant colors and classical elements.

Broad-rimmed bowl with border of urns and cherubs' heads; in the center, device of a bird standing on a bundle with the inscription VINCENZO

Urbino district 16th Century

1529

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 1942.9.344

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a detailed bas-relief depicting a group of clothed figures in an urban architectural setting. There is a central figure standing with its back to the viewer, surrounded by other figures facing the center character with varied postures. Above them, there is an arched structure with an inscription. The scene is set against a wall or building with architectural details. The sculpture is crafted in a brown material, possibly bronze, with light highlights on the raised portions, accentuating the intricate detailing. Its appearance suggests classical influences and a narrative scene.

Christ Appearing to the Apostles

Valerio Belli

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.498

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a bas-relief scene with multiple figures forming a procession or gathering. On the left, a line of individuals face towards a seated figure on the right. The prominent figure is elevated with one hand extended. The figures are draped in classical robes, giving it an ancient or historical setting. The sculpture is made of bronze, with a dark brown appearance and highlights where light catches on raised surfaces. The background features arches or columns, adding to the classical architectural context. The scene appears to be a formal or ceremonial gathering with a focus on the seated figure.

Christ Brought Before Pontius Pilate

Valerio Belli

Bronze//dark brown patina (slightly rubbed) Accession ID 1957.14.489

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16