Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

Filter Results

455 artworks on view.

Results

The sculpture is a profile of a man on a circular medallion. The man wears a unique double-layered hat closely around his head. The medallion is bronze or a similar metal with a brownish color and slightly weathered surface. Raised text on the edge reads "PISANVS" on the left and "PICTOR" on the right. The man's face is detailed, showing his features and a side view of his nose, lips, and chin. The appearance indicates a carefully sculpted, possibly antique piece, and may serve as a commemorative artifact.

Antonio Pisano, called Pisanello, the Painter and Medallist [obverse]

Pisanello

c. 1440/1443

Bronze  Accession ID  1957.14.624.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
Download artwork
The sculpture depicts two figures in a dramatic pose within a round frame adorned with intricate details. One figure is standing and holding onto the other, who is kneeling with an arm raised. The relief sculpture features ornate patterns and a small figure or emblem within the border. The bronze color gives it an antique look. Made from metal, the sculpture shows precise lines and relief work conveying depth and movement. The figures wear classical attire with flowing garments, showcasing excellent craftsmanship in their interaction with the environment.

Augustus and the Tiburtine Sibyl

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina  Accession ID  1957.14.305

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
Download artwork
This is a photograph of a historical coin featuring intricate engraving. The coin displays a figure leading a dog while holding a staff and a dangling object, possibly a lamp or lantern. The scene is surrounded by a circular border with a Latin inscription. The figure appears to be in motion, wearing draped garments and a head covering, and the background includes elements of nature, like foliage or mushrooms at their feet. The craftsmanship is detailed, with the relief providing depth and texture to the depiction. The metallic surface of the coin shows natural aging and patina, enhancing its vintage appearance.

Blind Man with a Staff and Water-flask, Led by a Dog [reverse]

Leone Leoni

1560/1561

Bronze//later casting  Accession ID  1957.14.1022.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
Download artwork
The sculpture is a round bronze relief depicting two cherubic figures seated on the ground. One figure covers their face with one hand, while the other holds a human skull. Both figures have youthful features and subtle musculature. The background contains ornate lines, and the sculpture is bordered with a Latin inscription. The material is polished bronze, giving the sculpture a rich brown color with lighter highlights. The viewer sees details of the figures' expressions and the crafting of the skull, highlighting the skillful work in small-scale bronze artistry.

Boldù with the Genius of Death [reverse]

Giovanni Boldù

1458

Bronze  Accession ID  1957.14.735.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
Download artwork
This is an ornate ceramic bowl. In the center there is a bust of a person in profile facing the left, with short hair and a cloth wrapped around their shoulders. This design is done in white against a dark blue background. This center image is circled by a cream inner ring containing floral designs in white. The wide edge of the bowl features several large creatures, including two large fish at the bottom and two creatures on the top that have the tail of fish but the wings and head of bird. At the top, between the winged creatures, there is a cherubic face set within a cluster of round fruit above a vase. There is another bowl of fruit between the fish at the bottom, and some designs that look like crossed swords and round shields. These designs are also done in white against a dark blue background. The rim of the bowl is yellow in some places and seems to have faded to white in others.

Broad-rimmed bowl with border of dolphins and "delphigriffs"; in the center, head of a young man

Urbino district 16th Century

c. 1520/1530

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)  Accession ID  1942.9.343

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
""

Broad-rimmed bowl with Leda and the Swan

Urbino 16th Century, Urbino district 16th Century

c. 1540/1545

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)  Accession ID  1942.9.347

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
This is an image of a decorative ceramic plate with a heraldic design. The plate is circular and adorned with a central coat of arms or shield. The shield is divided diagonally by a gold band with two heraldic animals, likely greyhounds, depicted in a running posture with gold stripes. The upper part of the shield contains three gold fleur-de-lis symbols on a blue field. Surrounding the shield is an intricate design of green laurel branches with acorns and yellow floral elements on a blue background. The date "1532" is inscribed on the plate. The ceramic plate combines craftsmanship with rich symbolic imagery, indicative of heraldry. The design reflects a family or regional coat of arms and emphasizes tradition and artistry common in European decorative arts.

Circular plaque with fruited wreath enclosing a shield of arms

Faenza 16th Century

1532

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)  Accession ID  1942.9.342

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
The sculpture features three figures at its center, one facing away while seated or kneeling, with detailed hair. Surrounding them are two figures in robes. On either side are architectural elements resembling columns with small figures on top. The sculpture is made of bronze, with a rectangular shape, elaborate border, and decorative elements. The scene appears intricate and possibly narrative, with detailed textures and forms.

Dead Christ Supported by the Virgin and Saint John

Anonymous Artist

Bronze//medium brown patina  Accession ID  1957.14.369

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
Download artwork
The sculpture is a circular relief medallion depicting a scene with several figures. At the center, there is a depiction of a crucified figure, who is secured to a cross. Below and to the right, there is a figure kneeling in what appears to be armor, who is gazing up at the crucified figure. On the left side of the medallion, a horse is shown from behind. The background includes natural elements, such as a barren tree and rocky formations. The medallion is a monochrome piece, cast in dark bronze material with a shiny surface. The inscription "OPVS RISATI PICTORIS" is visible on the upper part of the medallion.

Domenico Novello Malatesta in Armor, Kneeling before a Crucifix [reverse]

Pisanello

c. 1445

Bronze  Accession ID  1957.14.607.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
Download artwork
The sculpture depicts multiple intertwined figures in a complex composition. The central figures are human in form with muscular features, engaged in a physical interaction. Additional figures surround them, possibly resembling children or cherubs. The sculpture is made of a dark material, likely bronze, with decorative elements and embellishments on the base and sides. It is freestanding, allowing viewers to appreciate the detailed carving and craftsmanship.

Door Knocker with Nereid, Triton, and Putti

Jacopo Sansovino

c. 1550

Bronze  Accession ID  1979.10.1

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
Download artwork
The sculpture is of a bell-shaped object made of dark-colored metal, possibly bronze. It features intricate designs and decorative motifs, including a central motif resembling a coat of arms or shield, surrounded by foliage and floral designs. The top has rounded, tiered sections that taper towards the top. The base is adorned with leaf patterns, showcasing fine craftsmanship.

Hand Bell with Moro Arms between Thistles (?), Stag, Eagle (?), Unicorn, and Palm Crossing Laurel

Venetian 16th Century

16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina  Accession ID  1957.14.115

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
Download artwork
The image is of a ceramic plate featuring a bust of a person shown from the chest up in profile facing left. The person has wavy hair adorned with a headband. The plate has a decorative pattern of yellow scales against a blue background and additional floral and geometric motifs. The background is a creamy shade.

Large dish with scale border; in the center, an imperial Roman figure and the letter N crowned

Deruta 16th Century

c. 1510/1540

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)  Accession ID  1942.9.320

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Loading Results