Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

453 artworks on view.

The sculpture depicts a horse and rider in motion, with a figure below the horse in a crouched position. The scene is set in relief on a square plaque. The sculpture appears golden in color with an aged patina. The intricate details of the horse's mane and the rider's drapery stand out against the flat background. The plaque is bordered by a raised frame and has two small circular holes at opposite corners.

Battle Scene, in a Rectangular Frame

Moderno

1505/1510

Bronze Accession ID 1995.50.1

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Charles V, 1500-1558, King of Spain 1516-1556, Holy Roman Emperor 1519 [obverse]

Albrecht Dürer, Hans Krafft the Elder

1521

Silver Accession ID 2013.160.1.a

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a central male figure with long hair and a beard, flanked by a woman on his left and another figure on his right, along with a child partially visible at the bottom left. The sculpture is made of bronze and crafted in a relief format, showcasing detailed expressions, clothing, and textures of the figures.

Christ in the Tomb, supported by the Virgin, Saint John, and an Angel

Moderno

1508/1513

Bronze Accession ID 1996.41.1

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a round, coin-like object featuring a central design of a double-headed eagle with detailed plumage and intricate patterns. Above and between the eagle heads, the numbers "15" and "21" are displayed. The eagle holds a small shield-like emblem on its chest. Surrounding the central motif is a border of various symbols and heraldic emblems, each housed in separate compartments around the edge of the piece. The composition is rendered in a metallic silver color. The sculpture is flat and circular, with a textured surface that provides depth to the central eagle design and the bordering symbols.

Coat of Arms on a Double-headed Eagle [reverse]

Albrecht Dürer, Hans Krafft the Elder

1521

Silver Accession ID 2013.160.1.b

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a relief depicting a standing male figure with a beard, who is seemingly nude except for a cloth or garment around his waist. He is holding a large club in one hand. Another figure is lying on the ground beside him. The sculpture is crafted as a raised relief on an oval base with a metallic appearance. The surface has a worn and aged texture, suggesting it is made of bronze. The color is dark, tarnished bronze with lighter highlights where the metal catches the light, providing contrast. The piece gives the impression of an ancient or classical style due to the material's patina.

David and Goliath

Moderno

mid or late 1490s

Gilded bronze Accession ID 1996.82.1

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicted on the medallion features a scene with multiple human figures intricately carved in relief. The figures are arranged in a group, some standing and others engaging in conversation or interaction, while others are raised on a platform. The sculpture is crafted from a material with an earthy brown coloration, likely bronze. The surface shows a patina, adding texture and depth to the image. The relief carving captures a moment from a historical or mythical scene. The medallion is circular with a hole at the top. The figures are proportionate to the size of the medallion and detailed given the relief constraints. Overall, the sculpture provides a glimpse into a narrative scene preserved in a small, wearable form.

Eliezer and Rebecca at the Well

Giovanni Bernardi

c. 1540

Bronze Accession ID 1991.146.3

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a bearded man in a dynamic pose wielding a club, preparing to strike, confronting a multi-headed creature resembling a large dog. The scene includes lush vegetation, with detailed trees and plants surrounding the figures, creating a forest setting. The material of the sculpture presents a dark brown hue, potentially bronze or a similar metal. The sculpture is crafted in a high-relief style, allowing for intricate detailing of the figures and giving a three-dimensional appearance against a flat background.

Hercules and Cerberus

Annibale Fontana

c. 1570/1587

Bronze Accession ID 1999.109.10

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features a human figure fighting a serpent-like creature. The human is in an action pose, muscles tense, holding a club or stick. The creature has multiple snake-like heads and is rearing up. The sculpture is dark in color, possibly made of bronze or metal, giving it a patinated look. The scene is set in a stylized natural setting with trees and bushes. The piece is displayed on a rectangular relief, adding depth to the intricate carvings.

Hercules and the Hydra

Annibale Fontana

c. 1570/1587

Bronze Accession ID 1999.109.11

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows a roundel sculpture featuring three figures in a classical style. Two figures are standing side by side and the third figure is seated on what appears to be a bench or chair. All three figures are detailed with anatomical features and draped clothing. The sculpture is made of bronze, with a dark brown aged color. The design suggests interaction among the figures and appears symbolic. The intricate sculpture is small in scale and fits within an oval medallion shape.

Orestes Released from the Furies

Valerio Belli

probably 1520s, before 1540

Bronze Accession ID 1996.82.4

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts two human figures, one holding a pan flute. Both figures are nude, highlighting their detailed anatomies. The material appears to be a golden metal. The image is a flat, circular medallion-like form. The figures are closely positioned, with etched details providing a sense of depth and movement within the circular frame.

Pan and Syrinx

Giovanni Bernardi

mid 16th century

Bronze Accession ID 1996.82.5

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture shows multiple figures in a religious scene. At the center, a seated figure holds a child, surrounded by two kneeling figures. Two standing figures flank the scene, with a cherubic figure above them. The sculpture is detailed with acanthus leaves and ornamental patterns. It is made of bronze or brass with a dark gold or patinated bronze color. The overall appearance is ornate and intricate, capturing religious iconography in a classical style.

Pax with the Madonna of the Rosary

North Italian 16th Century, Central Italian 16th Century

fourth quarter 16th century

Bronze Accession ID 2002.102.2

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a rectangular relief plaque featuring several human figures. The central figure is a small child or cherub-like figure on a raised platform, surrounded by four standing figures in flowing garments. The figures are engaged in a gathering or ritualistic scene, with one gesturing towards the child. The background shows an architectural setting with columns and a triangular pediment. The sculpture is brown with touches of a lighter color highlighting details. The material appears to be ceramic or metal, with a textured and slightly glossy finish. The plaque is designed to be viewed from the front, with the figures and architectural elements in low relief.

Presentation of Christ in the Temple [reverse]

Valerio Belli

c. 1530s

Bronze Accession ID 1999.109.2.b

On View: West Building, Ground Floor, Gallery G16