Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

The sculpture is a roundel featuring a relief with six male figures, possibly hunters, with a wild boar at the center. The men are dressed in classical attire, some holding spears in a lively scene. A dog is also present in the foreground. The sculpture is crafted in a brown tone, possibly bronze, with detailed engravings of tree leaves and clothing/hair textures on the figures. The circular boundary frames the scene.

Meleager Hunting the Calydonian Boar

Master of the Orpheus Legend

fourth quarter 15th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.239

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Nero, 37-68, Roman Emperor 54 [obverse]

Antonio Averlino, called Filarete

c. 1445/1449

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.795.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a scene with two human figures in relief within a round medallion. One figure, a man, stands upright holding a tool or staff, while the other figure, a woman, is kneeling before him. The man appears to be extending his hand towards the woman. Surrounding the figures are details suggestive of a natural setting, such as trees and cylindrical shapes. The sculpture is crafted from a metallic material, possibly bronze or brass, given its brownish-golden color with lighter highlights. The detailing in the folds of clothing and texture of the background elements enhances the sculptural representation.

Noli Me Tangere

Valerio Belli

Bronze//medium brown patina (rubbed on figures) Accession ID 1957.14.495

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Orpheus Losing Eurydice

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//black patina Accession ID 1957.14.332

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a scene engraved on a circular medal or medallion. The front shows two figures in a seated and standing position, respectively. The seated figure appears to be leaning back casually on a piece of furniture, draped in a flowing garment with rounded forms around the chest. The standing figure is positioned beside the seated figure, gesturing forward with a hand holding a branch or floral motif. Both figures are adorned with floral wreaths around their heads. The background features vertical elements and a wheel on the right side. The material of the sculpture is metal, giving it a metallic gray-silver appearance with a slight patina that enhances the texture and depth of the relief work. The entire composition is delicately framed with a raised border at the edge of the medallion. A small hole at the top suggests the piece was designed to be hung or worn.

Peace and Prosperity

Valerio Belli

Lead Accession ID 1957.14.506

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Plate with Bacchus seducing Erigone; at the top, a shield of arms

Francesco Durantino

c. 1540/1545

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 1942.9.348

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows an oval-shaped, relief metal plaque with a scene of a mounted knight battling a dragon. The central figure is a warrior on a horse wielding a lance. The dragon is detailed with scales and a coiled tail, while above it stands the silhouette of a woman with raised hands. The sculpture is made of a bronze-like material with a historical appearance. There are small holes near the top, possibly for hanging. The plaque is bordered with a dotted edge.

Saint George and the Dragon

Gianfrancesco Enzola

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.189

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a rectangular bas-relief depicting a scene with figures and objects. On the right side, there is a muscular figure straining under the weight of a large object. Other human figures interact with elements like trees and huts. The background shows architectural elements. The scene is encased in a detailed border. The color of the sculpture is brownish-bronze, giving it a sturdy and ancient appearance. The figures are in dynamic postures, with detailed expressions and intricate surroundings, creating a vivid representation of an event.

Saint Jerome

Gianfrancesco Enzola

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.182

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a relief depicting a bearded man standing in a classical pose, with one hand raised to his chest and the other extending toward a small lion at his feet. The figure is draped in a flowing garment that partially reveals his torso. A lion is placed at the base of a column to his left, appearing as if it is looking up towards him. To his right, there is an opening in the rock with a book and below that, a skull rests on the ground. The entire piece is rendered in a dark bronze color, with a patina that gives it an aged appearance, featuring both smooth and textured surfaces that highlight elements of his hair, the lion's mane, and the drapery of the garment. The piece is rectangular with two holes at the top. The top of the relief is inscribed with the name "AVLCIRINO" in raised letters.

Saint Jerome

Ulocrino

early 16th century

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.277

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The relief sculpture depicts a group of figures engaged in various interactions. The central figures wear draped garments and helmets, some holding spears. The sculpture is made of metal with bronze and gray hues. It has a shield-like shape and intricate carvings of dimensional figures appearing flat against the surface. The craftsmanship emphasizes the flowing lines of the garments and defined postures of the characters, contributing to an embedded narrative.

The Continence of Scipio

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//dark lacquer (much rubbed) over light brown bronze Accession ID 1957.14.425

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a relief depicting a scene of several individuals gathered around a reclining figure. The human figures are interacting closely as a group, with some characters standing while others are kneeling or bowing towards the central figure. The scene is framed by a backdrop of trees and foliage. The sculpture is crafted from metal with a bronze color, giving it an ancient appearance. The figures and details are intricately carved into the metal, presenting a narrative event. The sculpture is slightly trapezoidal, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, and the figures are raised slightly from the flat background.

The Entombment

Valerio Belli

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.492

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a historical scene in relief. Figures are shown in various postures and attire. One figure is seated on a raised platform under an architectural structure, possibly signifying authority, holding what appears to be a staff. Other individuals surround this central figure, including soldiers with helmets, armor, spears, and shields. Some figures are in bowing or kneeling positions. The sculpture is made of light-colored stone, giving it a textured appearance. The intricately carved figures have detailed clothing, armor, and facial features. The scene suggests a narrative or event from a past era, possibly wartime or ceremonial. A theme of hierarchy and order is prominent.

The Justice of Brutus

Giovanni Bernardi

Lead Accession ID 1957.14.513

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16