Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

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

The relief in the image shows a group of human figures engaged in a scene. Approximately ten figures are depicted, with two seated on a platform and the rest standing around them. The figures seem to be interacting. The oval sculpture is made of a gray metal, possibly silver. The composition portrays a scene with figures in dynamic poses wearing flowing garments, suggesting movement and interaction. The background includes architectural elements like columns. At the bottom, there is an inscription "I0.BER.F."

The Continence of Scipio

Giovanni Bernardi

Lead Accession ID 1957.14.520

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This oval relief sculpture depicts multiple people wearing helmets and armor. A large group of people in the center walk towards the left, where a single person with a bare chest stands or sits with their face turned away from the armored group. This person holds a long object in one hand and raises it up above the group. In the background, on the left and right sides, are two decorated arches. The sculpture has a light bronze or gold color, with a darker patina in some areas. Some of the details are hard to make out. There is a small hole near the top of the sculpture.

The Continence of Scipio [reversed sense]

Giovanni Bernardi

Bronze Accession ID 1942.9.181

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This rectangular sculpture is a relief carving depicting a scene with three people raised on crosses. In the center is a man with his body facing us, his arms stretched out to the left and right. On either side of him are two more people whose bodies are contorted in unnatural, painful positions, their elbows and ankles appearing bound to the crosses. The central man has a cloth wrapped around his waist, while the other two appear nude. Below the three tall crosses is a crowd of overlapping people, some on horseback and many holding spears, shields, and banners. In the bottom left corner, a woman seems to have fainted, and two other people are supporting her. Another person with long, flowing hair is hugging the central cross, looking up at the man crucified on it. The sculpture is mostly bronze-colored, with some slightly darker areas of patina, and the relief is enclosed within a thin rectangular border.

The Crucifixion

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze Accession ID 1942.9.239

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a rectangular relief depicting four human figures. The central figure is a reclining man supported by a woman on his left, with two additional figures standing behind them. The figures are intricately carved with detailed features and flowing garments, suggesting movement. The sculpture is made of bronze, with subtle variations in color, including hints of green patina. Positioned within a framed border, the sculpture is rich in detail, with human figures appearing life-like and dynamic. The composition suggests a densely packed scene with a tactile surface.

The Entombment

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.365

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts five male figures on a rectangular plaque. The central figure appears distressed, surrounded by four other figures. All figures are detailed with textured hair and clothing folds, conveying movement and interaction. The sculpture is made of metallic bronze, giving it a warm brown color with highlights suggesting aged patina. The plaque has a small hole at the top center for hanging or attachment. The design suggests a narrative-oriented artwork capturing a frozen moment in time.

The Flagellation

Sperandio

c. 1480

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.210

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features a religious scene with a central seated woman holding a child in her lap, along with a bearded man looking towards them. Surrounding them are smaller figures, including angels or cherubs playing musical instruments and other human forms. In the background, there is a structure with columns, a donkey's face, and a tree. The sculpture is made of bronze, giving it a dark brown color and a metallic finish. It displays intricate and detailed craftsmanship through its relief work, conveying a sense of depth and narrative.

The Holy Family

Paduan 15th Century

second half 15th century

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.355

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a rectangular relief featuring a group of eight figures dressed in draped garments, aligned in a row. At the center, two figures stand facing each other, one reaching towards the other. Above the figures, an architectural element frames the composition, giving the impression of a building. The sculpture is made from dark-hued metal with a bronze-like finish, showcasing highlights that suggest a play of light on its surface. The details are intricate and designed in low relief, providing a historical and classical appearance.

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas

Valerio Belli

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.496

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a group of figures gathered around a central object. The main focus is a man holding a child on an elevated platform or table. The figures are arranged under an arched architectural structure. The sculpture is made of bronze, with intricate details such as the folds of the figures' robes and the textures of their hair and beards. The figures are stylized and rendered in a relief format, protruding slightly from the background. The scene appears static, captured mid-action.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.291

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a group of figures engaged in a scene in front of a temple-like structure. There are five human figures present, with one about to strike an object on an altar or pedestal, another kneeling next to an animal, while the rest observe. The material appears to be bronze with a reddish-brown patina. The circular sculpture shows high relief figures and architectural details against a flat background.

The Sacrifice of a Bull

Master of the Orpheus Legend

fourth quarter 15th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.237

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture on the medallion features three nude female figures standing closely together, with their arms intertwined. The central figure faces away while the other two face outward. The relief is rendered in a bronze color, with detailed and anatomically accurate figures against a flat background. Above the figures, there is a circular arrangement of engraved text. The medallion has a small hole at the top.

The Three Graces [reverse]

Niccolò Fiorentino

1486

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.882.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16