Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

The sculpture depicted on this medallion features a scene with three human figures and possibly an animal. At the center is a seated, nude woman with long hair, whose body is partially turned sideways. She is interacting with a smaller, kneeling figure to her left, who is wearing a helmet reminiscent of classical attire. Standing to the woman's right is another figure draped in flowing garments, raising an arm and holding something above their head. The sculpture exhibits rich, earthy tones characteristic of a bronze material, giving it a brownish-golden hue. The details on the figures suggest a classic and historical style, with intricate detailing of the figures' hair and garments. Encircling the figures are the inscribed words "VERITAS ODIVM PARIT."

Truth Crowned by Victory [reverse]

Italian 16th Century

c. 1542

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1020.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a figure standing in a flowing gown with one arm raised, holding a sphere. Next to the figure is a small plant. The scene is encased within a circular boundary. It is made of a material resembling bronze with a patina. It is crafted onto a round, flat surface resembling a coin or medallion. Fine designs are visible, and the word "VRANIA" is engraved at the bottom.

Urania Holding a Globe and Lyre [reverse]

Adriano Fiorentino

1488 or after

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.699.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a photograph of a bronze or copper medallion. The medallion features a relief sculpture depicting a classical scene with a winged figure, possibly a representation of a mythological character. The central figure is standing or striding forward, holding a staff in one hand. Beside this central figure are two smaller figures; one seated and the other standing. The surface of the medallion shows signs of age, with a patina and wear visible, providing texture to the relief.

Vulcan, Victory and Cupid

Moderno

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.311

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Willem I, 1533-1584, Prince of Orange and Nassau [obverse]

Conrad Bloc

1577

Silver//with loop//made from two separate pieces Accession ID 1957.14.1234.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a relief carving on a circular medal or medallion. A male figure draped in classical attire stands at the center, holding a vessel in his left hand and a dish in his right hand. He stands on a mound covered with grapes or a textured surface. Surrounding him are four birds in various poses, with wings spread or folded. An inscription along the edge reads "PIDEAT AMICI DIEM PERDIDISE," with "LIBERALITAS" below the central scene. The sculpture is made of metallic silver with a slightly tarnished surface. It is slightly raised against the background.

Allegory of Liberality [reverse]

Matthes Gebel

Base silver Accession ID 1957.14.1293.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicted in the image is a round, medallion-like relief. The subject of the sculpture is a human figure kneeling on a sea creature resembling a dolphin. The figure is partially draped in flowing garments, with one hand resting on the dolphin's head. The sculpture is primarily brown in color. It features intricate details such as the textures of the figure's clothing and a dynamic pose. Surrounding the central image is a raised border with inscribed text. The surface of the sculpture shows signs of aging.

Arion Riding a Dolphin [reverse]

Giovanni Boldù

1457

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.732.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicted on this round object features a scene with a winged horse and a chariot rider prominently. The winged horse is mid-gallop, showcasing its powerful limbs and wings spread as if in flight. The rider is captured with flowing garments and is holding what appears to be a staff or torch, indicating movement. Surrounding the central figures are intricate clouds and elements that suggest a sky or celestial scene. The sculpture is colored in a rich bronze, indicative of metal, giving the object an antique appearance. A raised, beaded border encircles the rim, adding to the ornate detail, and text in a classical font girds the top edge.

Aurora Riding through the Heavens [reverse]

Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo

1552

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1031.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features a circular medal with a detailed scene of battle. The scene includes soldiers on horseback and infantry engaging in combat. The medal is golden-hued, giving it a metallic appearance. Details include figures in action on horses and foot, some appearing minimally clothed. In the background, faint structures hint at a battlefield setting. Inscribed text along the edge adds to its historical or commemorative significance.

Battle under City Walls [reverse]

Annibale Fontana

c. 1550

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1038.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a photograph of an old coin or medallion. The coin has an intricate design with heraldic elements, including a crest or coat of arms at its center. It features engravings of shields, ornamental designs, possible animal figures, crowns, and text inscribed along the edge. The surface texture, relief patterns, and detailed etching suggest historical or commemorative significance.

Blazon of Arms [reverse]

Matthes Gebel

c. 1532

Base silver Accession ID 1957.14.1291.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a cherubic figure seated in a rocky or natural setting, surrounded by branch-like elements and possible animal figures. The figure has wings on its back and is centrally placed on a circular medal. The material appears to be a metallic gold color, suggesting it could be made of metal like brass or gilded. The medal has a textured and embossed surface with additional elements such as inscriptions around the perimeter. There are small holes near the edge, potentially for mounting. The detailed design reflects historical artistic expression and is intended for up-close viewing.

Captive Cupid Bound to a Tree [reverse]

Anonymous Artist

c. 1500

Gilded bronze//five times pierced Accession ID 1957.14.673.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a round medallion featuring a relief of an architectural structure resembling a classical building or cityscape, with columns, domes, spires, and boats at the bottom. It is made of metallic bronze with an aged patina. The medallion is intricately detailed and circular in shape with raised structures creating depth and texture.

Carthage with Galleys in Harbor [reverse]

Alessandro Cesati, called Il Grechetto

16th century

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.961.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Charlotte de Bourbon, 1548-1581, Third Wife of Willem I, Prince of Orange and Nassau [reverse]

Conrad Bloc

1577

Silver//with loop//made from two separate pieces Accession ID 1957.14.1234.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16