Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

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

The sculpture features an embossed figure of a sprinting human depicted in mid-stride with flowing hair, crafted onto a circular object resembling a coin or medal. The material seems to be a type of metal with a golden-bronze hue displaying slight textures suggesting wear or patina. The sculpture is framed by a raised circular border containing the main motif. The figure is showcased with stylized anatomical features, highlighted in a dynamic pose against the smooth background of the coin-like structure.

Running Hercules

Moderno

mid or late 1490s

Gilded bronze Accession ID 1996.82.2

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a round, coin-like medallion with a central emblem or coat of arms and two human figures on each side. The emblem includes a shield with symbols and patterns, a crowned bird's head, and a text inscription in Latin. The figures are depicted in a classical style, standing with a leg extended and arms outstretched towards the center emblem, holding draped cloths. The sculpture is golden in color with a textured and slightly worn appearance. It appears to be made from a material like bronze or a gold-colored alloy and has detailed carvings.

Shield Supported by Hercules and Janus [reverse]

Master of Coriolanus

c. 1503

Bronze//yellowish patina Accession ID 1957.14.273.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features a human figure engaged in a struggle with a lion. The human is holding the lion around its mane, while the lion is reared up on its hind legs. The rectangular relief sculpture is made of a material with a bronze hue. The surface is slightly textured, emphasizing the muscles of the human and the fur of the lion. The relief conveys a sense of power and confrontation within a bordered frame. The surrounding border is smooth.

Standing Hercules with the Nemean Lion

Moderno

c. 1488/1489

Bronze Accession ID 1989.91.1

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features a central cherubic face with ornate wings spread out to the sides, curly hair, and a scroll with the letters "INRI." Crafted from a material resembling gold, the sculpture has a metallic sheen and golden color. The design includes scrolling and curved elements extending symmetrically from the center. The cherub appears prominently, conveying a sense of craftsmanship. The polished golden surface reflects light, making the detailed carving visible against the dark background.

Tablet of the Superscription, from a Crucifix

Italian 17th Century

c. 1600

Bronze Accession ID 1995.49.8

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture features a relief depicting a biblical scene with multiple figures. A central seated woman holds a child while two men kneel before them, presenting gifts. Additional figures are engaged in the scene, with a tree and a camel in the background. The sculpted plaque appears to be made of bronze or a similar metal, exhibiting a dark brown patina with gold tones highlighting certain areas, especially on the clothing and features of the figures. The scene is framed by an architectural element on the right, including an arched structure and a rectangular panel with an inscription in relief. The composition captures the interaction among the characters in a detailed and harmonious manner. The rectangular plaque has two small holes, likely for mounting purposes.

The Adoration of the Magi [obverse]

Valerio Belli

c. 1530s

Bronze Accession ID 1999.109.2.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a round object resembling an old coin or medallion. The design features a central motif with a pointed, arrow-like figure surrounded by four circular patterns encased within a lobed border. The material appears to be metal, likely silver or a similar alloy, with a silver-gray color and areas of tarnish. Around the edges, there is an inscription or series of symbols. The sculpture is relatively flat with raised designs and inscriptions.

Four-wheeled Carro, Heraldic Symbol of the Carrara Family [reverse]

Paduan 14th Century

1390

Silver Accession ID 2006.115.1.b

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G18

Francesco II da Carrara, 1359-1406, Lord of Padua 1388-1405 [obverse]

Paduan 14th Century

1390

Silver Accession ID 2006.115.1.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G18

The sculpture portrays a child with wings standing on a pedestal. The child has curly hair, is raising its right hand, and the left hand is lowered. The bronze material gives the sculpture a dark, metallic sheen, with polished highlights. The pedestal is supported by two smaller figures on either side. The base is intricately designed with scrolling floral motifs and human-like faces. The sculpture showcases a classical style reminiscent of Renaissance artistry.

Andiron with Putto Finial

Nicolò Roccatagliata

model c. 1600, cast probably 17th/18th century

Bronze Accession ID 1991.145.2

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19

The sculpture features a central figure of a small child with wings standing atop an ornately decorated pedestal. The figure is depicted in a dynamic pose, with one arm raised and a playful expression on its face. The sculpture is dark in color, likely made from bronze. Below the central figure, the pedestal is adorned with intricate decorative elements, including scrollwork and two additional cherubic figures on either side, each resting against the curves of the base. The structure is grand and detailed, with several faces embellishing the pedestal, adding to the complexity and craftsmanship of the piece. The overall look of the sculpture is both elaborate and harmonious.

Andiron with Putto Finial

Nicolò Roccatagliata

model c. 1600, cast probably 17th/18th century

Bronze Accession ID 1991.145.1

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19