Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

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455 artworks on view.

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This is an ornate crucifix, with a man hanging from it in a traditional crucifixion pose, his arms outstretched and nailed to the crossbeam. The man has long hair and a cloth tied around his waist, and he is colored entirely in bright gold. Behind his head is a golden circle with gems in blue, red, and green. The cross itself is adorned with intricate designs in dark blue, red, teal, and green shapes, bordered by a gold-colored outline. The top of the cross features an inscription in gold lettering on a blue background. The sculpture stands upright against a neutral gray backdrop.

Crucifix

Rhenish 12th Century, Mosan 12th Century

c. 1150/1175

Gilded copper alloy with champlevé enamel, one jasper stone, and glass  Accession ID  1942.9.282

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G18
The sculpture depicts a scene with a figure seated on a raised platform beneath an ornate, triangular pediment. The central figure holds a staff and appears elevated in status. Two horses with riders are positioned on each side of the central figure. The scene is bordered by columns. The material of the sculpture seems to be a reddish-brown metal, possibly bronze or a similar metal alloy, giving it an aged appearance. The carving shows intricate details, focusing on the attire of the central figure and the adornments on the columns.

A Triumph

Caradosso Foppa

Bronze//medium brown patina  Accession ID  1957.14.226

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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The sculpture seen on the circular medallion depicts multiple human figures, some holding staffs, with the central focus on a seated figure. The figures are nude or partially draped and stand in dynamic poses. The material of the medallion appears to be bronze, giving it a brownish color with a shiny, polished surface. The scene is intricately detailed, showcasing the artist's skill in rendering the human form in a small scale, with the figures in relief against the flat background of the medallion. A small hole at the top suggests it may be for hanging or mounting. The letters "I.O.F.F" are inscribed at the bottom of the medallion.

Ariadne at Naxos

Master IO.F.F.

second half 15th century

Bronze//medium brown patina (slightly rubbed)  Accession ID  1957.14.472

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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The sculpture depicts several human and animal figures engaged in a struggle. The figures are intricately carved, showing bodies in motion with limbs extended and torsos twisted. There is a sense of depth created by the overlapping figures and raised relief. The color of the sculpture is a reddish-brown hue, likely due to the material being bronze. The background consists of columns, suggesting an architectural setting, adding complexity to the scene. The relief is mounted on a square block, with the figures rendered in high relief.

Battle of Centaurs and Lapiths

Caradosso Foppa

Bronze//medium brown patina  Accession ID  1957.14.220

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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The image shows a medallion sculpture featuring a relief portrait of a woman in profile. The woman has a detailed braided hairstyle with bead-like elements, and wears a beaded necklace. Her attire includes subtle folds, hinting at luxurious fabric. The medallion is made of bronze or brass-like metal with a warm tone and patina. The edges have small embossments and the inscription reads “DIVAE IVLIA PRIMVM FELIX."

Diva Giulia [obverse]

Antico

c. 1490

Bronze  Accession ID  1957.14.666.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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The sculpture is a relief representation on a coin depicting the profile of a man's head in a classical style. The detailed carving shows the man's hair and a draped robe with a decorative clasp at the shoulder. The sculpture is a dark bronze color, suggesting it is made of a metal alloy commonly used in coins or medals. Surrounding the profile is an inscription that reads "IOHANNES FRANCISCUS," along with a border of raised dots around the edge of the coin.

Gianfrancesco Gonzaga di Rodigo, 1445-1496, Lord of Bozzolo, Sabbioneta, and Viadana 1478 [obverse]

Antico

1486/1490

Bronze  Accession ID  1957.14.664.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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The sculpture is a bronze relief depicting a scene with a nude male figure in the center, noticeably muscular, and holding what appears to be a pair of bull horns, one with each hand. The man is facing away from the viewer, and his stance is wide and dynamic. Flanking him on either side are two bulls, depicted in profile and showing a sense of motion with one foot raised from the ground on each. The background features architectural elements, including arched doorways and stone walls. The color of the sculpture is a dark bronze, with subtle green patina present in some areas. The inscription "O. MODERNI" is carved at the top. The sculpture is rectangular in shape with a small hole at the top center.

Hercules and the Cattle of Geryon

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina  Accession ID  1957.14.326

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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The sculpture depicted is a relief medal featuring a central figure of a man riding a horse. The man is dressed in tunic-like attire and holding the reins. Both the horse and rider are detailed prominently, with emphasis on their postures. The medal is circular and features inscriptions around its circumference, with decorative elements like a tree and shrubbery in the background. The sculpture is crafted from bronze. The image is embossed, allowing the figures to stand out three-dimensionally against the flat background. The piece is viewed directly from the front, allowing clear observation of the design and text.

Mehmed II Riding [reverse]

Costanzo da Ferrara

c. 1477/1480

Bronze  Accession ID  1957.14.695.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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The relief panel depicts various scenes, including a centaur in the center, surrounded by smaller panels of cherubic figures and circular scenes. The sculpture is made of a bronze-like material with detailed musculature and flowing lines, capturing a sense of movement and vitality. Craftsmanship is intricate, showcasing classical themes and storytelling elements.

Nessus and Deianira

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//very dark brown patina  Accession ID  1957.14.322

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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The sculpture is a relief portrait of a man in profile, facing left. It depicts the bust of the man with detailed, curly hair tied back with a ribbon, and a sculpted face showing a prominent nose and chin. The sculpture is embedded on a medallion, surrounded by a circular band containing inscriptions or letters. It is made of bronze, giving it a rich, brownish-gold color that is reflective and slightly weathered. The sculpture appears small, comparable in size to a large coin, with a hole at the top and bottom. The three-dimensional effect of the relief provides depth and shadowing, accentuating the facial features and hair texture of the subject.

Self-Portrait [obverse]

Giovanni Boldù

1458

Bronze  Accession ID  1957.14.735.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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The sculpture depicts a group of figures surrounding a reclining male figure. The setting is a detailed, mountainous background with three crosses in the distance. The sculpture appears to be made of bronze, with dark and light tones emphasizing details. The central figure is reclining and supported by others, suggesting a scene of mourning or lamentation. The style and scale are suitable for viewing up close to appreciate the detailed work and narrative of the composition.

The Entombment

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//dark brown patina  Accession ID  1957.14.296

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16
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Kneeling Angel

Giovanni Antonio Amadeo

1470/1480

Marble  Accession ID  1939.1.320

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G17
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