Augustus en de sibylle

About this artwork

diameter 5,5 cm

Art Historical Context

Behold the exquisite bronze plaquette *Augustus en de sible* by the Italian artist Moderno (Antonio di Pietro Averlino crafted around 1475–1499. Measuring just 5.5 cm in diameter, this intimate Renaissance masterpiece captures a pivotal moment from Christian legend: the Roman Emperor encountering the Tiburtine Sibyl, reveals a vision of the Virgin Mary and Christ child atop the altar of Janus. Such scenes symbolized Augustus's prophetic recognition of the divine savior, bridging pagan antiquity with Christian faith. Moderno, a leading figure in the burgeoning art of medals and plaquettes during the late Italian Renaissance, drew inspiration from ancient Roman coins and classical motifs. His skillful bronze casting—likely via the lost-wax technique—produces a finely detailed relief with dynamic figures, intricate drapery, and expressive gestures, showcasing the era's mastery of small-scale sculpture. These portable treasures were prized by collectors as affordable alternatives to larger works, embodying the humanist revival of antiquity. This plaquette's cultural resonance lies in its fusion of history, mythology, and piety, reflecting Renaissance Italy's intellectual fervor. A testament to Moderno's innovative style, it invites us to ponder how art distilled grand narratives into objects of everyday wonder.

About the Artist

Moderno · 1467–1528

Galeazzo Mondella, known to history as Moderno, was born in Verona in 1467 and became one of the most accomplished and widely admired creators of bronze plaquettes during the Italian Renaissance. He joined the Goldsmiths' Guild of Verona in 1485 at the age of eighteen, and by 1487 he had begun working at the court of Mantua, where he adopted the name Moderno—chosen in deliberate counterpoint to hi...