Renaissance Bronze

February 4, 2021

Michelangelo’s Crucifix for Vittoria Colonna

A devotional crucifix, whose model is believed to be the work of Michelangelo, is known preserved by a minority of casts in silver and bronze, the finest of which, is examined here. The crucifix is here suggested as made for Michelangelo’s friend, Vittoria Colonna, as a private gift or possible commission. A census of casts of the model are explored, tracing its origins in Rome and later to Seville where it influenced Spanish sculptors and painters during the first decades of the 17th century.

January 15, 2021

The Use and Invention of Plaquettes by the De Levis bronze Foundry of Verona

A discussion and analysis concerning the use and reproduction of plaquettes by the De Levis family of bronze founders provides insight into the inner machinations of a provincial bronze foundry of the late Renaissance. This essay discusses how plaquettes invented by others were used as decorative embellishments for mortars and bells by the De Levis family foundry and how a later generation of De Levis family founders began adding potentially original modifications and creations to their workshop repertoire of reliefs.

November 17, 2020November 17, 2020

Galeazzo Mondella’s original Entombment

Discussion of an unpublished pax of the Entombment by Galeazzo Mondella, called Moderno, at the Parish Church of San Giuliano in Bologna and a reconsideration of Milanese influences in Moderno’s career.

September 27, 2020October 16, 2020

A Medici Bust at the Walters?

A bronze bust at the Walters Art Museum, thought to be an all’antica representation of an emperor, may instead be the portrait of a Medici family member.

August 31, 2020October 16, 2020

In the Shadow of Permoser

Ideas concerning several small sculptures, possibly by unsung, yet impressively talented German sculptors operating in the ambit of Balthasar Permoser.

August 30, 2020October 16, 2020

The Paxes of Giovanni Battista Panzeri and his workshop

A survey on rare damascened steel or iron plaquettes for use on paxes. This article is part of a larger future project that will study the art, architecture, function and history of paxes.

August 9, 2020October 16, 2020

The Thief of Michelangelo – Models Preserved in Bronze and Terracotta

New observations and ideas concerning the use and proliferation of Michelangelo’s models of crucified “thieves.”

June 13, 2020October 16, 2020

Michele di Giovanni da Fiesole and the origins of the Florentine plaquette

Two of the earliest Renaissance plaquettes, long associated with Donatello and his school, are probably the work of Michele di Giovanni da Fiesole.

May 30, 2020October 16, 2020

The identity of Nuremberg’s Gänsemännchenbrunnen or Geeseman Fountain

Identifying the person and purpose for one of Germany’s most famous Renaissance bronzes: the Gänsemännchen brunnen or Geeseman Fountain.

May 24, 2020October 16, 2020

Pietro Torrigiani – Discovery of a St. Anthony in Wood

A sculpture of St. Anthony may be the first work in wood to be identified with Pietro Torrigiani, made famous for his brawl with Michelangelo and for spreading the Cinquecento style of Italian art throughout Europe.