Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

452 artworks on view.

The relief depicts a group of figures engaged in hunting. There is a central archer aiming a bow at a target, with a dog by their side. Another figure is stepping back cautiously, while a third figure stands holding a staff. The sculpture is made of bronze or bronze-toned material, set on a rectangular plaque with a textured surface and framed by a border. It appears small in scale relative to human size.

Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian

Gianfrancesco Enzola

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.183

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Maximilian I, 1459-1519, Archduke of Austria, afterwards Emperor 1493 [obverse]

Giovanni Candida

1477

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.819.a

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a vessel with a wide, flaring rim and two rounded handles. The surface is textured with raised relief designs featuring figures and ornamental motifs. The material appears to be a dark, metal alloy with a dull sheen. The vessel stands upright, displaying decorative embellishments that wrap around the body in repeating patterns. The craftsmanship exhibits detailed work emphasizing the three-dimensionality and symmetry of the design elements.

Mortar with Foliate Grotesques, Goats' Heads, and Ribbed Handles

Italian 16th Century

mid 16th century

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.108

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows a sculpted medallion featuring a male figure at its center. He is depicted holding a trident, seated on a shell-shaped chariot pulled by four horses. The horses appear to be galloping through water, with intricate waves carved beneath them. The sculpture is crafted from a bronzed material, giving it a warm hue. The figures and details are in relief, creating a sense of depth and movement against the flat background of the medallion.

Neptune

Giovanni Bernardi

Bronze//light brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.524

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a circular relief depicting three human figures and an angel. The central figure is a nude male standing on the left, holding a stringed musical instrument. To his left stands a female figure, also nude, with a draped cloth covering her lap. Behind them is a winged being and a smaller figure peeking from behind the female. The background includes textured details resembling architectural or environmental elements. The relief is made from a bronze-like material with intricate detailing and a double border along the rim. A small hole at the top suggests it may have been designed for hanging or display.

Orpheus Redeeming Eurydice

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina (much rubbed) Accession ID 1957.14.331

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Plate with Jupiter, Juno and Io transformed into a cow

Urbino district 16th Century, Italian 16th Century, Gubbio 16th Century

c. 1535/1540

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 1942.9.339

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This oval sculpture depicts a relief carving of a person who appears to be lying on the ground with a large bird hovering above them. The bird is positioned centrally within the sculpture, its wings outstretched, showing its feathers in detail. The person beneath the bird is in a reclined position, with their limbs extended and head turned toward one side, conveying a sense of motion or struggle. They appear to be confined within a ring of stones with their feet and hands tied to large rocks. The sculpture is crafted from a reddish-brown material with hints of an aged patina visible in some areas.

Prometheus

Giovanni Bernardi

Bronze Accession ID 1942.9.182

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a reclining female figure with flowing drapery, resting against an elaborate architectural element resembling an altar or pedestal. Beside her is a youthful figure, while another young figure looks upon her with an arm raised. On the right side, two satyr-like figures engage in interaction, one holding a cloth. Above, a tree with leafy branches is present. The material is metallic, likely bronze, with a dark brown surface and areas of patina. The sculpture is circular and showcases intricate detail.

Sleeping Nymph and Two Satyrs [reverse]

Pseudo Antonio da Brescia

1505 or after

Bronze//light brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.242.b

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a relief depicting several human figures and a horse. The central focus is on a group of people around a seated figure holding a child. The composition includes figures kneeling and standing under a classical architectural frame with columns and a pediment. The sculpture is made of a brownish material, suggesting metal like bronze. The figures are highly detailed with distinct facial features and garments, positioned within a rectangular relief panel.

The Adoration of the Magi

Valerio Belli

1537 or after

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.484

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts several figures in a narrative setting. A female figure is seated to the right, holding a child on her lap. Surrounding her are multiple other figures in various postures. The foreground figures are larger, while those in the background are smaller in relief. The material appears to be metal, likely bronze, with a patina ranging from dark brown to golden tones. The relief is detailed, with intricate textures and facial expressions. There is a hole at the top.

The Adoration of the Magi

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//dark brown patina (rubbed on exposed surfaces) Accession ID 1957.14.290

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a scene with several figures. One central figure stands in a contrapposto pose with their head slightly tilted forward, hands crossed, and appears partially nude with drapery around the waist. Another figure gestures towards the central figure. Additional figures in robes stand to the side, observing. Above the central figures, a figure hovers, releasing a small bird mid-flight. The background features foliage, with a tall tree or plant with extended leaves. The relief panel is crafted from dark brown material, likely bronze or a similar metal, with an aged patina that highlights the texture and depth of the carved details, giving a reflective quality where the ridges catch the light.

The Baptism in the Jordan

Valerio Belli

1537 or after

Bronze//very dark patina Accession ID 1957.14.485

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows a circular medallion or relief sculpture depicting a historical battle scene. The central subject is a group of armored warriors engaged in combat, with several horses and riders in motion surrounded by foot soldiers clashing in battle. The background features a fortified city with detailed walls and towers. Inscriptions reading "CONSALVI AGIDARTI VICTORIA" and "DE GALLIS AD CANNAS" appear at the top and bottom of the sculpture. Crafted from bronze, the sculpture has a metallic gold-brown color. The figures are prominently displayed in high relief, showing intricate details on armor and muscular forms of humans and horses. The scene conveys a dynamic and action-filled depiction of a battlefield.

The Battle of Cannae [obverse]

Master of Coriolanus

c. 1503

Bronze//yellowish patina Accession ID 1957.14.273.a

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16