The sculpture seen on the circular medallion depicts multiple human figures, some holding staffs, with the central focus on a seated figure. The figures are nude or partially draped and stand in dynamic poses. The material of the medallion appears to be bronze, giving it a brownish color with a shiny, polished surface. The scene is intricately detailed, showcasing the artist's skill in rendering the human form in a small scale, with the figures in relief against the flat background of the medallion. A small hole at the top suggests it may be for hanging or mounting. The letters "I.O.F.F" are inscribed at the bottom of the medallion.
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The sculpture seen on the circular medallion depicts multiple human figures, some holding staffs, with the central focus on a seated figure. The figures are nude or partially draped and stand in dynamic poses. The material of the medallion appears to be bronze, giving it a brownish color with a shiny, polished surface. The scene is intricately detailed, showcasing the artist's skill in rendering the human form in a small scale, with the figures in relief against the flat background of the medallion. A small hole at the top suggests it may be for hanging or mounting. The letters "I.O.F.F" are inscribed at the bottom of the medallion.

National Gallery of Art · Sculpture

Ariadne at Naxos

Master IO.F.F.

Date
second half 15th century
Medium
bronze//Medium brown patina (slightly rubbed)
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 5.72 cm (2 1/4 in.) gross weight: 55.3 gr (0.122 lb.)
Classification
Sculpture · Plaquette
Accession number
1957.14.472
Credit line
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Time span
1401 to 1500
Department
CSD

Subjects and terms

  • Bolognese
  • classical
  • mythology
  • Renaissance
  • Renaissance Plaquettes
  • Ariadne
Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his estate; purchased 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); purchased 1945 by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York; gift 1957 to NGA.

Inscription

in exergue, in relief: .IO[HANNES].F[ONDULINI].F[ONDULI]. [followed by a sprig of horseradish or "cren" to signify "da Crema"] (Giovanni di Fondulino Fonduli, da Crema)

Marks

Reverse formerly bore previous inventory number 338 in yellow paint (Ricci 1931); numerals were removed during 1982 cleaning.

NGA object ID 44191. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.