Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

The sculpture depicts several figures engaged in an aquatic setting. A muscular male figure sits on a sea creature with a raised trident. Surrounding him are other human and hybrid creatures, including a large snake-like beast and a woman partially submerged in waves. The relief is carved on a circular dark metal plate, showing signs of age, wear, and contrast between the figures and the background.

The Triumph of Neptune

Venetian 16th Century

first half 16th century

Bronze//dark red-brown patina (black lacquer somewhat rubbed) Accession ID 1957.14.429

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is an oval-shaped relief with detailed figures depicting a dynamic scene. The central focus is on several human and possibly mythological figures engaged together. The scene contains four primary figures: a male figure on the left wearing classical attire, a nude female figure resting with another figure holding her, and another male figure on the right with his arms raised. There are also small animal figures at the bottom. The material seems to be a patinated bronze. The relief is intricately carved, creating vivid depth and movement, allowing the detailed expressions and interactions of the figures to stand out clearly against the textured background.

The Triumph of Silenus

Valerio Belli

Bronze//light brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.159

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows a relief carving on a circular medallion with three human figures in a dynamic scene. One figure is seated on the left, one is standing in the center holding an object, and another is standing on the right. The material is dark with lighter highlights, possibly aged bronze or patinated metal. The figures are depicted in a moment of interaction with a sense of depth and movement. A small hole at the top suggests it may have been worn or suspended.

Two Hunters

Master IO.F.F.

second half 15th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.473

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a painting of a scene depicted on a decorative plate. The scene shows a group of figures around a tree, with a central figure merging or growing into the tree, surrounded by others in various poses. The style is reminiscent of the mannerist period of art, displaying dynamic figures and dramatic compositions typical of the European Renaissance period. The figures are dressed in flowing garments with a rich and deep color palette dominated by blue, white, and earthy tones. The border of the plate is ornately decorated with intricate floral and vine patterns, as well as small cherubs and other embellishments, all rendered in exquisite detail, and outlined in black and gold. The overall composition suggests a mythological or allegorical subject, common in the decorative arts of the Renaissance.

Oval Dish with the Birth of Adonis

Anonymous Artist

c. 1560

Enamel painted on copper Accession ID 1942.9.290

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G18

Drug jar with the head of a warrior

Faenza 16th Century

c. 1540/1550

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 2014.136.327

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19

The circular medallion depicts a lion standing on its hind legs with a small human figure on its back. The lion is shown with an open mouth and teeth visible. An inscription encircles the edge of the medallion. It appears to be made of metal, possibly bronze, with a brown color and green patina. It seems small enough to be held in a hand and has a small hole at the top, indicating it could be used as a pendant. The design includes intricate artwork of the figures, decorative elements, and letters around the circumference.

A Child on a Lion

Gianfrancesco Enzola

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.184

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a photograph of an ancient coin. The coin features a relief design depicting a group of figures, including a central figure on horseback surrounded by others, some holding banners or weapons. Below this scene is a smaller frieze depicting additional figures and elements such as shields. The outer periphery of the coin is inscribed with the words "SENATS POPLIS." The craftsmanship indicates close attention to detail, common in ancient civilizations' numismatic art. The coin appears to be made from a copper alloy, giving it an aged appearance.

A Triumph

Mantuan 16th Century

first quarter 17th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.245

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows a circular plaque with a relief sculpture featuring mythological figures. In the center is a winged figure, flanked by two nude figures. All figures are in dynamic poses. The sculpture is made of a golden material, likely gilded metal, giving it a lustrous appearance. The central figures stand on a stepped base within the composition. A beaded border surrounds the central depiction, and the edges of the plaque are scalloped with four rounded protrusions symmetrically placed. The overall appearance is one of antiquity and craftsmanship, with intricate detailing evident in the design.

A Victorious Hero

North Italian 16th Century

early 16th century

Gilded bronze Accession ID 1957.14.454

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This round medallion features a relief depicting two figures in a pastoral setting. On the left side, a faun or satyr with the body of a man and the legs of a goat plays a long flute or horn. This figure has a beard, pointed ears, and horns, and his chest is bare. To the right, a reclining nude female figure with long hair looks over her shoulder at the satyr, raising one arm up. In her other arm, she holds a thin cornucopia filled with small fruit. The background features a large building with columns and several small structures resembling towers or domes surrounded by trees and grassy hills. The sculpture is crafted from a golden-brown material, with some areas of darker patina. There are small holes at the top and bottom of the medallion.

Abundance and Satyr

Pseudo Antonio da Brescia

1505 or after

Bronze Accession ID 1942.9.183

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Alessandro Maggi, called Bassiano, and Giovanni da Cavino [obverse]

Giovanni da Cavino

c. 1538

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.982.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Alfonso V of Aragon, 1396-1458, King of Naples and Sicily 1443 [obverse]

Cristoforo di Geremia

c. 1458

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.804.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts two male figures, both nude. One figure is standing and the other is sitting. The standing figure is on the left, leaning against a tree or post with one hand behind them. The standing figure's body is relaxed with crossed legs. The seated figure on the right appears older with a bearded face. The seated figure holds a stick or staff and seems to be in conversation with or gesturing to the standing figure. In the background, there are architectural and landscape elements including an arch and what looks like a broken column. The sculpture is made of bronze, with a dark brown color and a slight greenish patina in some areas. The relief is shallow, giving a carved, three-dimensional appearance.

Allegorical Scene

Ulocrino

early 16th century

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.276

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16