Renaissance Bronze

Proposing Matteo del Nassaro as the Master of the Orpheus and Arion Roundels

Speculation concerning the possibility that musician, gem-engraver and goldsmith, Matteo del Nassaro, could be responsible for a series of bronze roundels depicting Orpheus and Arion while active in the studio of Galeazzo Mondella, called Moderno.
A Context for the Corn-Ear Master’s Virgin and Child and Imago Pietatis

Observations concerning two plaquettes attributed to the Corn-Ear Master reinforce Jeremy Warren’s idea that they were used as book covers. Additional speculation is given to this artist’s presumed activity in Mantua and possibly also in Milan.
Moderno & Associated Makers – A partnership between Galeazzo Mondella’s son and nephews

Recently discovered documents indicate Moderno’s son and nephews established a business partnership shortly after Moderno’s death, perhaps responsible for the continued perpetuation of Moderno’s plaquettes throughout Lombardy.
Toward an opus of Niccoló Avanzi, gem engraver of the late Quattrocento and early Cinquecento

An anonymous cameo in the Cabinet of Medals (Paris) might be a scarce survival of Niccoló Avanzi’s workmanship, praised briefly in Vasari’s 1568 edition of the ‘Lives of the Artists,’ and a plaquette depicting the Adoration might theoretically preserve one of his lost works.
Identifying a relief scene by Cristoforo Foppa, called Caradosso

The subject of a confounding plaquette attributed to Caradosso is suggested as representing a scene of Pearl Fishing.
Commentary on the sale of Alain Edrei’s Collection

The sale of Alain Edrei’s collection of Renaissance plaquettes and paxes is one of the few major sales of its type during the 21st century thus far.
In search of a Master Sculptor between the Loire Valley and Iberia: in the sphere of Lorenzo Mercadante de Bretaña

A curious suite of independent sculptures in the art market point to a single artist whose activity must reside somewhere between Gothic Northern France and Iberia.
Renaissance painted enamels and their feature in devotional paxes: insights, ideas and observations

A survey of Renaissance painted enamels set within devotional pax frames yields ideas concerning certain enamel works-of-art, their maker’s relationship with patrons and other trades as well as certain reconsiderations concerning authorship and location. Observations concerning the presence of forgeries and pastiches are additionally discussed.
Donatello, the birth of Renaissance Plaquettes and their representation in the Berlin sculpture collection

Wilhelm von Bode’s spirit of acquisition in turn-of-the-century Berlin would result in forming a significant and comprehensive collection of Donatelloesque plaquettes, here explored for their function and influence in the genesis of plaquettes as a genre of sculpture.
Head of Christ – Fragment of a Compianto

A Florentine Head of Christ is possibly the work of Giovanni da Maiano
A Johannes-schüssel by Bernt Notke

A Johannes-schüssel or Head of John the Baptist here ascribed to Bernt Notke or his workshop.
A Christ of Agony by Caspicara

A crucifix previously kept within a Parisan presbytery is here identified as the work of Manuel Chili, called Caspicara.
Metalwork in the ambit of Raphael

Toward an opus of Antonio di Paolo Fabbri, called Antonio da San Marino and a Lamentation by Cesarino di Francesco del Roscetto, called Cesarino da Perugia.
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…
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…
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.