Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

Francesco II Gonzaga, 1466-1519, 4th Marquess of Mantua 1484 [obverse]

Bartolommeo Melioli

c. 1480

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.661.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a decorative bell with intricate relief designs depicting scenes of figures engaged in various activities amid patterns of leaves and vines. Cast in metal, the bell has a dark bronze color with a weathered surface. The top of the bell features a rounded handle. The bell is ornamented with detailed figures and text, showcasing the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

Hand Bell with Portrait of Lodovico Maria Sforza, 1451-1508, called Il Moro, 7th Duke of Milan, and Figures of Hercules

Zuanne I (Zanin) Alberghetti

possibly 1491/1497

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.110

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a muscular, nude male figure fighting a lion on a rectangular bronze plaque. The male figure is in the center grappling with the lion, as the lion's body twists beneath him. In the background are architectural structures, including a classical building with the word "MODELV" partially visible and an archway or coliseum-like structure. The sculpture has a small hole at the top center for hanging or display. The figures and background are detailed, creating a sense of dynamic motion and classical grandeur.

Hercules and a Centaur

Moderno

1507 or before

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.316

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a small, oval-shaped relief tablet with intricate carvings. The central subject depicts a muscular male figure struggling with a large, lion-like creature. Surrounding this scene are smaller carved figures and circular motifs, including cherub-like figures and other symbols. The sculpture is made of bronze with an aged patina. The presence of a hole at the top suggests it may have been used as a pendant or a decorative plaque.

Hercules and the Nemean Lion

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.321

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts two human figures in a classical scene. One figure is upright with a lion's skin draped over their shoulders and holding a club. The second figure is lying on the ground. The sculpture is made of a bronze-like material, with architectural elements in the background. The word "MODERNI" is inscribed at the top amidst ornamental detailing. The dimensions suggest it is a section of a larger work, with intricate detailing.

Hercules Triumphant over Antaeus

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//very dark patina (rubbed in raised areas) Accession ID 1957.14.327

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a shield-shaped relief of a battle scene with figures such as soldiers and a knight on horseback. The figures are portrayed in active poses, some raising weapons, while the central figure on horseback appears to be charging forward with a lance. Background elements include a fortified tower and what appears to be a bridge over water. The sculpture is made of a metallic material with a bronze or gold tint. The relief is designed to be viewed from the front, providing a detailed narrative of the action within a compact form.

Horatius Cocles Defending the Bridge

Master IO.F.F.

second half 15th century

Bronze//light brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.479

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts multiple figures in dynamic poses. A group of figures on the left gesture and interact with a central figure standing elevated on a platform to the right. The central figure is slightly raised above the others. All figures are draped in ancient attire, with flowing robes and detailed folds. The scene is carved in relief on a rectangular plaque crafted from a bronze-like material. The figure on the pedestal is more prominent than the others. The background includes architectural elements with arches and pilasters framing the composition.

Jesus Among the Doctors

Valerio Belli

1537 or after

Bronze//dark brown patina (slightly rubbed) Accession ID 1957.14.487

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a detailed relief with a central figure of a seated woman holding a child, surrounded by other human figures. The woman is seated on an ornate throne-like structure with intricate patterns. The figures around her, including some standing nude, are depicted in various poses. The piece is decorated with motifs like cherubs, floral designs, and animal motifs. The material appears to be metal, such as bronze or brass, with a golden-brown patina. The relief is set within a rectangular frame with a hole at the top for hanging. It is finely detailed and textured, giving a sense of depth to the figures and patterns.

Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//light brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.288

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a detailed relief depicting multiple figures in motion. The foreground figures are muscular, with one holding an object. In the background, there are two more figures and a post with lines or a sail. The sculpture is made of a dark, bronze-like metal with shading variations. It is displayed on a flat, square plaque with a hole at the top center. The scene conveys depth through the arrangement of figures and background etchings.

Marine Scene

Caradosso Foppa

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.223

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts two figures, a female with wings and a male figure. The winged female is nude and is advancing forward, capturing a sense of movement with one leg stepping forward. She has long flowing hair and her wings are outstretched behind her. The male figure is partially hidden behind her, adorned with a helmet, and holding a staff or spear in his hand. The sculpture is cast in a relief style and made from a bronze-colored material. The panel on which the figures are sculpted is rectangular with a slightly raised border, framing the scene. The figures are rendered in a strong, classical style.

Mars and Victory

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//yellow-brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.307

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

This is a round relief sculpture featuring classical figures in a natural setting. At the center, a nude figure stands facing a seated figure on the left accompanied by another seated figure holding staffs. Another figure on the right holds a stringed instrument. A winged creature resembling a lion rests in front of the figures. Detailed trees are in the background. The relief is crafted from a bronze-colored material, giving it an ancient appearance. The sculpting shows detailed textures of the characters' hair, clothing, and surrounding flora. The sculptures are in low relief, emphasizing narrative over high-dimensionality.

Orpheus and Eurydice Before Pluto and Proserpine

Master of the Orpheus Legend

fourth quarter 15th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.233

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The image shows a relief on an oval medallion featuring two figures. The primary figure is a standing person draped in flowing robes, holding a branch with multiple leaves or flowers extending upward. The figure appears to be in a dominant position, looking downward towards a second figure. The second figure is kneeling and holds a stick or staff in one hand, with a slightly bowed head. Both figures are elegantly carved with attention to detail on the faces and clothing. The sculpture is bronze-colored and has a metallic sheen, suggesting it is made from bronze or a similar metal. The material gives it an aged appearance, adding depth to the relief. There is a small hole at the top of the medallion, possibly for hanging. The sculpture presents a classical or historical scene.

Peace

Valerio Belli

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.507

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16