
Read the visual description
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.