Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

The sculpture shows a male figure depicted in a three-dimensional relief style on a rectangular plaque. The figure is a nude man standing in a contrapposto pose with his right arm raised, holding a branch. He has curly hair. Surrounding him are various objects including a lyre, musical notes, a shield, and an anvil with flames. The sculpture is made of a dark, bronze-like metal that highlights the details. The composition appears to convey a story or legend with its detailed workmanship and classical motifs.

Allegory of Music

Venetian 16th Century

c. 1500

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.449

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring a relief of a human figure surrounded by two lions. The lions have realistic details, with their manes and features clearly etched into the surface. The human figure is portrayed nude and contorting, with one arm raised and the other arm and legs engaged with the lions. The medallion is gold in color, with inscribed text decorating its perimeter. It features a circular motif and a scroll with Latin text at the top.

An Allegory of Faith: Lions Devouring a Nude Youth [obverse]

Master IO.F.F.

Bronze//yellow-brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.446.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Andrea Briosco, called Riccio, 1470-1532, Paduan Sculptor [obverse]

Anonymous Artist

probably 1532

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.978.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features two figures in a high-relief style on a rectangular plaque. The figure on the left is depicted clad in draped garments, sitting with one leg crossed over the other, adorned with a laurel wreath on their head, holding a lyre. The figure on the right resembles a satyr, with goat-like legs and animalistic features, posed in a dynamic stance with one arm raised. The sculpture is a metallic bronze hue, indicating metallic material. The plaque shows visible wear and texturing, possibly from age, and includes a circular hole at the top center.

Apollo and Marsyas

Ulocrino

early 16th century

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.281

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture on the coin depicts a seated female figure wearing a crown, holding a staff in her right hand and a pair of compasses in her left hand. The figure is draped in a gown that reveals her feet. In the background, there is an architectural structure resembling a domed building with towers. The coin is made of a brown metal, likely bronze or copper, and is inscribed with the words "FIDELITAS" and "LABOR." The sculpture is a finely detailed raised relief that fits within the circular confines of the coin.

Architecture Holding a Compass and Square [reverse]

Caradosso Foppa

c. 1506

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.786.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a circular relief depicting a scene involving two subjects: a ship with visible ropes and masts positioned on the left, and a human figure sitting on the right. The person appears to be holding on to a large fish, resting one arm across its back, as they sit on what looks like a rock amidst swirling, wave-like patterns. The image is surrounded by a raised border framing the circular scene. The sculpture itself is crafted in a monochromatic material, giving it a uniform, metallic brown color that highlights the sculptural details and textures against the flat background. The overall appearance is one of high-relief detail, where the subjects stand out prominently against the background plane.

Arion Rescued by the Dolphin

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.329

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts two male figures in a scene. The standing figure is wearing a turban and is holding a book, while the seated figure has a full beard and is wearing a hat, with one hand on the book and the other hand gesturing. The clothing of both figures is detailed with folds resembling flowing robes. The sculpture is cast in a brownish-gold material with a textured, aged appearance. Behind the figures are etched structures resembling buildings or castles and a tree to the right, adding depth to the scene. Text is visible along the top edge of the sculpture. The overall size of the sculpture suggests it is a relief meant to be viewed up close, with fine details highlighting the figures' expressions and attire.

Aristotle and Alexander of Aphrodisias

Ulocrino

early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina (rubbed on raised surfaces) Accession ID 1957.14.284

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is an oval-shaped relief featuring multiple people, some standing and others seated. In the center is a standing woman who holds a tall staff with what look like flames at the top. Two bearded men stand on either side of her, facing her. In front of her, two people are sitting, one with their back to us and the other a man who is facing the left. A small child is on the ground between these two seated people, grabbing the leg of the man on the right. On the far left is another seated man who appears to be raising a large hammer. The people seem to be mostly nude, although the two standing men in the back wear draping cloaks and the seated man on the right wears a cloak and a helmet. The material of the medallion is a golden hue, with some areas that are slightly discolored.

Assembly of Gods

Master IO.F.F.

second half 15th century

Bronze Accession ID 1942.9.210

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Carlo Visconti, 1523-1565, Cardinal 1565 [obverse]

Italian 16th Century

c. 1550

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1105.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features a group of figures centered around a reclining male figure with a serene expression. Four smaller figures, likely angels, with visible wings are positioned around the central figure in supportive or comforting gestures. The sculpture is made of a metallic material with a bronze-like color highlighting intricate details of the figures' clothing, hair, and wings. The piece has a relief-like quality with depth from the overlapping figures, creating a sense of dimensionality.

Christ Attended in the Tomb by Four Angels

North Italian (Veneto) 16th Century

c. 1500

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.133

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts three figures in a relief format on a rectangular plaque. The central figure appears to be a person in a reclined position, supported by another figure who is standing. The standing figure is dressed in draped clothing and extends an arm towards a tree on the left side of the composition. To the right of this standing figure, there is a bearded face emerging from the background, observing the scene. The sculpture is crafted from a material that resembles bronze or a brownish metal. The plaque has a small hole near the top center. The figures are portrayed with a high level of detail, allowing viewers to discern facial expressions and clothing textures despite the compressed space of the relief.

Death of Meleager

Ulocrino

early 16th century

Bronze//very dark patina Accession ID 1957.14.283

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Ercole II d'Este, 1508-1559, 4th Duke of Ferrara 1534 [obverse]

Pompeo Leoni

1554

Lead Accession ID 1957.14.1039.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16