Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

The sculpture features three classical figures in a relief style on a circular medal. One figure is seated, holding a staff, while the other two standing figures hold various objects. The sculpture is made of a metal material with a bronze color and smooth finish. It is encircled by an inscription and has a three-dimensional appearance with depth and movement, making the figures stand out against the background.

Lodovico with Faith and Pallas [reverse]

Bartolommeo Melioli

1475

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.660.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a scene on a round medallion, featuring two human figures in flowing garments. The medallion appears to be made from a golden-colored material. The figures are intricately sculpted and are engaged in an activity involving their extended arms and hands. An inscription follows the curvature around the edge of the medallion.

Occasion in Pursuit of Time [reverse]

Anonymous Artist

1504

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1321.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features a central figure seated cross-legged on a pedestal. This figure is surrounded symmetrically by two creatures resembling winged dragons or griffins, both facing towards the center. The sculpture is made of a dark, metallic material with a bronze-like finish. The figures are presented in relief on a flat rectangular slab, with decorative scrollwork on the edges. The overall composition is ornate and detailed, with the figures depicted in a stylized, classical manner.

Ornamental Frieze

Moderno

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.343

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a nude figure of a person playing a stringed musical instrument in nature. The person is surrounded by animals, including deer and birds. The scene is intricately designed on a round disk with detailed features of the tree, leaves, and the animals' fur and feathers. The sculpture appears to be made of bronze, with a rich, dark brown color and a slightly shiny surface. The size of the sculpture suggests it is a medallion or a decorative disk, emphasizing the central figure and the natural environment.

Orpheus Charming the Beasts of the Fields

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.333

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features a relief of a person riding a galloping horse within a circular frame. The figure has one arm raised and the other hand grips the horse's reins. The figure appears to be wearing flowing garments. The horse's front legs are lifted off the ground, conveying movement. The sculpture is crafted from a material that gives it a metallic brown appearance with a smooth texture and slightly weathered patina in some areas. It is set against a flat background.

Perseus Mounted on Pegasus

Florentine 16th Century

mid 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.504

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows the upper half of a man's body. He is facing slightly to the right, with his head turned towards the viewer. The man has curly dark hair reaching his shoulders, a mustache, and a small goatee. He wears an elaborate garment with a broad lace collar and cuffs visible on his sleeves. The clothing appears richly adorned, possibly dark velvet, with intricate detailing. He holds a small, ornately decorated object in his right hand. The background is a dark, muted color with a textured canvas and signs of aging, with a small number "391" written in yellow on the left side.

Portrait of a Young Man in Oil [reverse]

Netherlandish 17th Century

17th century

Oil on bronze Accession ID 1957.14.525.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a photograph of an engraved medallion. The medallion features a relief image of a figure holding a small round object in one hand and accompanied by a smaller creature at their feet. The background of the medallion has a textured appearance, adding depth to the engraving. The piece has a hole at the top.

Prudence Holding a Mirror and Dividers [reverse]

Milanese 16th Century

probably 1518/1525

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.791.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a relief depicting two human figures and a lion. The central figure is sitting with the lion, seemingly engaging with its paw or mane, while another figure stands in the background with a raised hand. The lion, positioned at the bottom, is sitting with its front paws extended, looking towards the central figure. The relief is crafted from a material resembling bronze, giving it a brownish, metallic hue. The figures are intricately detailed, with the central figure having a long beard and the standing figure wearing a robe. It appears to be intended to be hung vertically, evidenced by the hanging hole at the top center. The surface of the relief features textures and lines highlighting the details of the figures and their interactions, with a slightly raised edge bordering it that contains an inscription at the top.

Saint Romedius

Ulocrino

early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.279

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a relief depicting a seated figure wearing a hooded robe. The figure has a long beard and holds an open book in one hand, while looking at another open book on his knee. There is a bare tree behind him to the left and a rocky formation to the right. The sculpture is made of bronze, giving it a brownish-gold color with darker patina in the crevices. The composition is within a rectangular frame.

Saint Romedius

Ulocrino

early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.280

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a detailed engraving on a round coin. The central design depicts a landscape with bridges, cityscape elements, and a field of stars above. Surrounding the scene, the upper portion of the coin features a floral and heraldic embellishment with a shield-like shape at the center. The coin is made of a dark metallic material, likely bronze or copper, with a rich brown color and patina. The outer edge of the coin includes an inscription in Latin characters. The sculpture shows intricate details that suggest careful and precise workmanship commonly seen in ceremonial or commemorative medallions.

Sphere Representing Earth, Sea, and Sky [reverse]

Pisanello

c. 1449/1450

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.614.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a photograph of a coin. The coin features a design of a tree with winding branches in the center, surrounded by a beaded border. Below the tree, the words "COR ALIT" are inscribed. The coin has an aged patina with copper and greenish hues, indicating oxidation. The texture of the coin suggests it is made of metal with embossed and engraved details.

Stalk of Branching Coral [reverse]

Italian 16th Century

c. 1550

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1105.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture shows a relief scene with four human figures and an angel on the right side. The figures on the left are kneeling, interacting with the seated angel who is gesturing with one hand raised. The angel has wings, perched on a raised platform. The three figures opposite the angel are close together; two kneel, and one stands with hands clasped. The sculpture is made of dark-colored material, likely bronze, giving it a rich, earthy tone with a slightly reflective quality. The figures are depicted in detailed, flowing drapery in a semi-circular format.

The Holy Women at the Tomb

Italian 16th Century

16th century

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.534

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16