Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

The sculpture is a detailed relief on a square plaque depicting figures on horseback and other smaller figures engaged in an interaction or a scene. The material of the sculpture is golden in color. The square plaque is accentuated by ornate, scroll-like adornments at each corner. The overall size of the sculpture seems modest, fitting in the palm of a hand. The intricate carvings are slightly raised from the flat surface.

The Rape of Ganymede

Caradosso Foppa

Gilded bronze Accession ID 1957.14.219

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a group of human figures involved in an animated scene. The figures are interacting with each other, some seated or reclining, while others are standing. The central figure is in a dynamic pose. The sculpture is an oval medallion made of a smooth, polished material with a metallic bronze hue. It has a well-defined border, and a small circular hole near the top. The intricate details in the sculpture showcase a high level of craftsmanship. Its metallic luster highlights the contours and expressions of the figures, against a dark background.

The Triumph of Amphitrite

Valerio Belli

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.503

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture on this circular medallion depicts a battle scene with two warriors. One warrior is mounted on a horse wearing elaborate armor, pointing a weapon at the other warrior who is on foot, also in armor and helmet with a shield. The sculpture has a golden or bronze-like appearance, possibly made of metal. It is detailed, showing facial expressions, armor patterns, and background scenery with minimal decor. The surface has a textured finish.

Two Soldiers Fighting with a Horseman

Gianfrancesco Enzola

c. 1468

Bronze//light brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.185

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This freestanding sculpture consists of a central panel with two narrower panels on hinges that could close like shutters. The central panel shows a crowned woman holding a baby, Mary and Jesus, and each side panel holds two people, one stacked over the other and about half the scale of Mary. All five people are shown under canopies carved with triangular moldings carved with filigree-like tracery. The panels appear to be wood, and the people are carved from white alabaster. The faces are all oval with large eyes, straight noses, and small mouths. They all wear robes, dresses, or habits that fall in thick folds to the small bases on which they stand. Mary has long, wavy hair, and she holds a sprig of roses in her left hand, to our right. Resembling a miniature man, Jesus sits upright in her other hand, his hands clasped in his lap and his knees together. He appears to wear a collared vestment, and his hair is either damaged or is curly only on each side of his narrow face. To the left, the top woman wears a crown over long wavy hair. She props the end of a chest-high sword with one hand and holds a small wheel with the other. Below her, a woman wears a cloth covering over her head and a rosary hangs from her waist. She holds a what might be small vessel and a green object, perhaps a book. In the top right, the woman also has wavy hair under a crown, and she holds a book and a tall cross. The fifth woman, in the lower right, holds two objects that are difficult to make out, perhaps an incense burner or jar and a short staff. Traces of red, green, black, and other colored paint are especially prominent on the objects the women hold and the backgrounds.

Figures from a Retable of the Virgin and Child, with Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Apollonia, Saint Margaret of Antioch, and (possibly) Saint Mary Kleophas

English 15th Century

c. 1440/1460

Alabaster with traces of polychromy, in a modern tabernacle with four replaced canopies Accession ID 2014.60.1

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G18

This is a painting of a group of figures gathered around a long table with various dishes and food items. The figures are depicted in intricate detail, with the central figures showing emotional expressions. The setting is a richly decorated interior with ornate architectural elements, including columns, arches, and a large window. The clothing of the figures is rendered with rich colors and patterns, emphasizing the formal and historical significance of the scene. The artwork exhibits rich texture and vibrant colors, consistent with the style associated with the artist, reflecting a scene of historical or religious importance.

Plaque with the Last Supper

Jean I Penicaud

c. 1530

Enamel painted on copper Accession ID 1942.9.289

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G18

Round Dish with the Wedding Feast of Cupid and Psyche

Leonard Limousin

c. 1562

Enamel painted in grisaille on copper Accession ID 1942.9.293

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G18

The image depicts a ceramic pharmacy jar with a detailed portrayal of a man with a dark beard and a white turban, appearing to read a script. The sculpture is made from ceramics and features vivid colors such as yellows, blues, and greens. The upper and lower bands of the jar have alternating horizontal stripes of yellow and blue, while the central band showcases ornate designs including leafy wreaths and stylized floral motifs. The jar gives the impression of an elaborately decorated, traditional apothecary vessel, finely painted with intricate patterns and an illustration for historical context.

Albarello with black-bearded physician and trophies of arms

Faenza 16th Century

c. 1550/1575

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 2015.19.4027

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19

This is a photograph of a decorative ceramic jar. The ceramic jar is adorned with vibrant, intricate patterns. The central image is of a figure with a turban and beard, appearing to read or write on a scroll, against a bright yellow background encircled by blue and green foliage motifs. Below this portrait are ornate scrolling and a stylized, yellow mask-like face on a dark blue background. The top and bottom edges of the jar are banded with yellow and turquoise hues. The jar's shape is slightly tapered with a subtle flared top edge.

Albarello with white-bearded physician and trophies of arms

Faenza 16th Century

c. 1550/1575

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 2015.19.4026

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19

This is a tapestry showing a crucifixion scene. At the top of the tapestry are three men hanging from large wooden crosses, one in the center and the other two near the upper right and left corners. The men on the sides have agonized expressions, and their bodies are contorted, limbs bent and curved. The central man is still, his arms stretched outward, hands and feet nailed to the wood. He has a bleeding cut on his side and wears a tanged thorny circlet on his reddish-brown hair. The men all have cloths of various shades of gray and blue tied around their waists. Below, numerous other men and women are gathered, wearing colorful dresses and robes in shades of blue, red, orange, green, and purple. Near the bottom left corner, a woman in a blue dress and a white head covering appears to have fainted, and two other women grab her arms. Another woman stands at the base of the central cross, looking down at the fainted woman. All four of these women have halos, as does a man on the left who looks upward, his folded hands raised. In the bottom right corner, another man kneels down next to several tools, reaching for a loop of rope. The background features a pale green landscape with hills, trees, and gray buildings under a sky swirling with blue and white clouds. A red sun and a pale moon appear in the sky on either side of the central crucified man. The central scene of the tapestry is contained in an intricately decorated red border which features designs of flowers, fruit, and curling vines.

The Crucifixion

Pieter Pannemaker I

c. 1520

Tapestry: undyed wool warp; spun silver, silver-gilt, and dyed silk and wool weft Accession ID 1942.9.448

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19

The sculpture depicts a scene on a circular, coin-like object with a central motif of a child figure riding a lion. The child is holding a rod with a banner atop it, and the lion is shown in mid-stride, walking with a flowing mane. The child is seated confidently on the lion's back, with wings visible. The background of the sculpture is adorned with a landscape. Around the edges of the sculpture is an inscription in a circular format. The sculpture is made from a bronze-like material, exhibiting a patina with shades ranging from dark bronze to specks of green and light brown. Two holes are present at the top and bottom.

A Child on a Lion

Gianfrancesco Enzola

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.188

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a roundel featuring a dynamic relief scene depicting multiple figures in what seems like a battle or a hunt. The central figures consist of a bare-chested human and another on horseback, both engaged in combat. A lion is prominently displayed amidst the chaos, interacting with the figures. All are positioned tightly within the circular boundary of the sculpture. The sculpture is cast in a golden-hued metal, likely bronze. The figures are intricately detailed, conveying a sense of movement and tension. The size and detail suggest that the sculpture is a delicate work meant to be viewed up close.

A Lion-Hunt

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//light brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.341

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts figures associated with the sea engaged in various activities. One figure holds a trident and commands an aquatic chariot drawn by sea creatures through churning waters. Other figures are present in the scene. The relief panel is made of bronze, with dark metallic color and lighter highlights. The design presents a vivid depiction of movement and chaos related to the power of the sea, with human-like figures intertwined with mythical elements.

Andrea Doria Guided by Neptune

Leone Leoni

c. 1541

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.526

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16