Joseph Stripped of His Garments
Unknown Artist
late 15th century
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
1 7/8 x 4 11/16 in. (4.7 x 11.9 cm.)
Classification
Medals and Plaquettes
Culture
Northern Italian
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Erich Lederer Collection, Gift of Mrs. Erich Lederer, 1986
Accession Number
1986.319.40
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze plaquette, * Stripped of His Garments*, captures a dramatic moment from the biblical story in Genesis, where Joseph's jealous brothers tear off his colorful coat before selling him into slavery. Craft by an unknown Northern Italian artist in the late th century, the small relief (just 1 7/8 x 4 11/16 inches) features dynamic figures of men and horses, rendered with lively energy that conveys tension and motion. Such intimate scenes were popular in Renaissance Italy, blending religious narrative with classical-inspired naturalism. As a prime example of the plaquette genre...