Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

The image shows a round bronze relief sculpture of a Pegasus. The Pegasus is depicted in a dynamic pose, rearing up on its hind legs with its wings outstretched. The sculpture is cast in bronze, giving it a warm, metallic brown color with a smooth texture. The Pegasus appears as a raised relief within the circular medallion. The feathers of the wings and the flowing mane and tail are intricately detailed.

Pegasus on the Fountain Hippocrene [reverse]

Italian 16th Century

after 1538

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1015.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a photograph of an ancient coin. The coin features a relief sculpture of a figure wearing a toga and a laurel wreath, holding a musical instrument, possibly a lyre, and a staff. The design suggests influence from ancient Rome or Greece, with symbolic elements associated with mythology or leadership. Engraved text surrounds the figure, and there are intricate details such as wave-like patterns at the figure's feet and ornamental bushes. The coin has a bronze hue, indicating its metallic composition and potential age.

Prudence Standing between Water and Fire [reverse]

Bartolommeo Melioli

c. 1480

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.661.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows a sculpture of a coin or medal with an intricate design. In the center, there is a double-headed eagle with spread wings. Below the eagle, there is a shield divided into segments with various symbols. The outer edge of the coin has inscribed text encircling the central motif. The sculpture is metallic silver and appears to be made from metal, possibly silver. The design suggests historical or heraldic themes, with a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Shield with Helms and Crests [reverse]

Hans Reinhart the Elder

1535

Silver Accession ID 1957.14.1201.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Sorra Shooting at a Mark [reverse]

Antonio Abondio

1561

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1062.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is an oval relief depicting multiple human figures. On the left side, there is a standing figure draped in a robe and wearing an adornment on their head. This figure appears to be guiding another person who is slightly bent over. The focus is on this second figure, with visible muscular details. To the right, there are two figures attending to a sleeping or reclining person. The relief includes architectural elements in the background, such as an arched structure. The material of the sculpture is bronze with variations in shading and highlights. The piece suggests a historical or classical scene, with rich details depicting interactions among the characters and setting.

The Adoration of the Shepherds

Gian Jacopo Caraglio

c. 1526

Bronze Accession ID 1996.41.2

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The relief depicts a central seated figure holding a crown, accompanied by a kneeling figure on the left. Small cherubic figures surround the central figures, some holding garlands or rosaries. The sculpture showcases intricate details in the garments and background, suggesting a scene of importance. Its material appears to be metallic bronze with a rich brown color and varied light reflection. The smooth texture contrasts with detailed motifs, providing depth to the composition.

The Crowning of the Virgin

Venetian 16th Century

second half 16th century

Cast bronze Accession ID 1992.60.1

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows a round, intricately detailed medal featuring a group of figures engaged in a scene. The central figure is a woman or female deity standing on a platform, holding a large vessel above her head. Surrounding her are additional figures, some handling vessels or jars, while others engage in poses with the central figure. The scene is bordered with a raised decorative edge featuring text along the perimeter: "VIR TVS" at the top and "NVNQ DEFICIT" at the bottom. The medal has an antique, burnished appearance and is made of a bronze or gold-colored metal. The figures are portrayed in relief against the surface, providing a three-dimensional effect.

The Fountain of Virtue [reverse]

Leone Leoni, Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo

c. 1550

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1028.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts three human figures standing closely together on a rounded, flat surface. They are positioned facing slightly inwards towards one another, with their arms interlinked. The central figure's back is slightly towards the viewer, while the side figures have their fronts more visible. The sculpture is predominantly a weathered copper color, indicating it may be made from bronze or a similar metal, with a surface that shows some green patina. The detailing is subtle, with the figures' features lightly carved, and standing in a classical contrapposto stance. Their bodies are delicately rendered, suggesting grace and fluidity in their poses, and the whole ensemble is encapsulated within a circular medallion form.

The Three Graces [reverse]

Danese Cattaneo

16th century

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1012.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a coin depicting a cloud with lightning bolts. It is made of a metallic material, with a copper tone. There is an inscription that reads “FOLGORE DI GVERRA.” The surface shows wear and scratches, with a patina. The overall look is circular and flat, with variations in texture where the relief is raised.

Thunderbolt Issuing from a Cloud [reverse]

Danese Cattaneo

before 1546

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1011.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a round, flat medal featuring a relief of three human figures. The figures appear dynamic, captured in mid-motion, engaging in an entwined dance or struggle. They are depicted in a stylized, elongated manner with flowing hair, and some are adorned with drapery or cloth that accentuates the movement. The medal is made from a material that appears to be bronze, exhibiting a brown, slightly greenish patina. The inscription "VERITATI" followed by "D" is embossed below the figures on the rim of the medal. The medal has a small hole at the top for hanging or display.

Two Men Trying to Unveil Truth [reverse]

Maffeo Olivieri

1517/1521

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.754.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a round relief depicting a pastoral scene with a central figure of a horse drinking from a stream. Behind the horse, there is detailed landscape featuring a herder standing with a staff, surrounded by a herd of animals, and two structures resembling tall columns with conical roofs. Various plants and trees are spread throughout the background. An inscription "SIG . VIRVS . A . SACRIS" encircles the top edge. The sculpture is made from brownish-metal material, likely bronze, with an aged and textured surface. The relief offers intricate details that convey depth within the scene.

Unicorn in a Landscape [reverse]

Italian 16th Century

mid 16th century

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.1088.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Viglius van Aytta of Zuichem, 1507-1577, Lawyer and Humanist [obverse]

Jacques Jonghelinck

1571

Silver Accession ID 1992.55.11.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16