Medieval and Renaissance Sculptures and Decorative Arts

On View: West Building, Ground Floor

455 artworks on view.

Portrait of a Woman [obverse]

Giovanni Maria Pomedelli

first quarter 16th century

Bronze Accession ID 1957.14.773.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The relief sculpture depicts multiple figures engaged in a dynamic and chaotic scene. The figures are intricately carved with detailed postures and positioning. The sculpture is a rich, earthy brown color and appears to be made of a material like bronze. The design is busy and crowded, with figures overlapping and interacting. The background includes architectural forms like columns or a pediment. The sculpture conveys vibrancy, action, tension, and physicality among the human, mythological, or historical subjects.

Silenus and the Mainads

Caradosso Foppa

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.221

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a round, embossed medallion featuring three human-like figures positioned in a dynamic, interwoven arrangement. The central figure appears to be female and is flanked by two male figures. The two flanking figures are holding sticks or staffs. The material of the sculpture seems to be bronze. The figures are depicted in a slightly stylized and abstract manner with exaggerated muscular and form details. The front-facing orientation and compact composition allow the viewer to witness the intricacy and interactive posture of the figures.

The Death of Laocoön

Italian 16th Century

1506 or after

Bronze//very dark patina Accession ID 1957.14.460

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a circular medallion depicting multiple human figures engaged in an action-packed scenario. There are five figures, all appearing to wield clubs, with one figure distinctively wearing something draped. The figures are positioned dynamically, suggesting a narrative of combat or celebration. The disc is crafted from a material with a burnished golden color, and hints of wear suggest it might have been embedded with additional materials over time. The medallion's surface is textured, with the sculpted forms raised against a slightly recessed background.

The Death of Orpheus

Master of the Orpheus Legend

fourth quarter 15th century

Gilded bronze Accession ID 1957.14.235

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts a man tied to a post or column, standing with his arms bound above his head. His head is tilted to one side, and his expression is one of tension. The man is minimally clad, with a cloth draped over his hips. In the background, an archer is shown taking aim, ready to shoot arrows. The scene is framed by an architectural element resembling an archway with ornate decorations. The sculpture is crafted from a material that appears to be bronze, giving it a rich, golden-brown color. The details, such as the musculature of the man and the folds of the cloth, are finely rendered.

The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian

Anonymous Artist

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.300

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a relief depicting a bearded figure emerging from a rectangular tomb with a triumphant posture, holding a staff with a banner in one hand. The figure appears to be wrapped in a flowing garment, partially covering its body, and it is shown with one arm raised. Surrounding the central figure are three human figures, seemingly warriors, each holding a shield with ornate detailing. One of them appears to be lying on the ground beside the tomb, while the other two are standing. The background features a rocky landscape with clouds in the sky. The sculpture is made of metal, likely bronze, giving it a reddish-brown color with patina visible over parts of the surface. The work is intricately detailed, with careful attention to the folds of the cloth, facial features, and textures on the shields.

The Resurrection

Moderno

late 15th - early 16th century

Bronze//medium brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.299

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Dish with an allegorical subject

Orazio Pompei

c. 1520/1540

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 2014.136.304

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19

Tall drug bottle with the death of Cleopatra

Orazio Pompei

c. 1540/1550

Tin-glazed earthenware (maiolica) Accession ID 2014.136.313

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G19

The sculpture depicts a hunting scene with armed hunters on horseback, holding spears, accompanied by dogs. There are additional horses in the background. The sculpture has an oval relief presentation with intricate details, such as flowing garments and textures reminiscent of ancient Roman or Greek warriors. The color of the sculpture is bronze-like, suggesting a metallic composition. The figures are highly detailed, showing the textures of the horses' manes and the musculature of the riders and dogs, creating a dynamic visual narrative.

A Panther Hunt

Giovanni Bernardi

Lead//very dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.521

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a circular bas-relief depicting two figures. One figure is a mythological creature resembling a faun or satyr, with horns and goat-like legs, playing a musical instrument. The second figure is a reclining nude woman, with her body oriented towards the faun, her gaze directed at him, and her right arm raised above her head. The faun appears to be serenading the woman. The material of the sculpture is bronze. The outdoor setting includes landscape details such as trees, hills, and buildings in the background.

Abundance and a Satyr [obverse]

Pseudo Antonio da Brescia

1505 or after

Bronze//light brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.242.a

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture is a detailed bronze relief depicting a dramatic scene with several figures. The central figure appears to be an older man wearing a robe, possibly a clerical figure, being restrained or aided by several surrounding figures. To the right, two figures seem to be pulling or guiding the central character. On the left side, a soldier-like figure in armor is gripping the older man's arm, while another person, possibly a woman dressed in a draped garment, is kneeling and reaching out with hands clasped together. Above the central scene, additional figures can be seen in a background banner. The bronze material gives the sculpture a uniform dark brown color with slight green patina in some areas. The relief is circular and has inscriptions along the bottom edge, with a small hole at the top. The composition is richly detailed, capturing movement and interaction among the figures and is representative of historical or allegorical storytelling.

Christ Carrying the Cross

Valerio Belli

1525 or after

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.491

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

The sculpture depicts two figures, one lying down and the other standing or kneeling close by, engaged in a tender interaction. The reclining figure appears to be resting their head on the lap or chest of the other figure. Both figures are clothed in draped garments that contour closely to their bodies. The sculpture is in high relief on what looks like a circular medallion, with the word "PIETATI" inscribed beneath the figures. The piece is crafted from a bronze material, exhibiting a warm, mottled brown patina with areas of shiny highlights. The surface of the sculpture is detailed, with visible textures in the clothing and hair of the figures.

Cimon and Pero

Paduan 16th Century

early 16th century

Bronze//dark brown patina Accession ID 1957.14.387

On View: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16