Medusa mask

Art Historical Context

Behold the striking *Medusa mask*, a plaquette cast in the 16th century by Severo Calzetta da Ravenna a leading Italian bronze sculptor of the Renaissance. Measuring just 6.5 x 10.5 cm, this copper alloy piece from the Robert Lehman Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art the fearsome Gorgon's visage—snake-haired and glaring—with exquisite detail. Its warm brown patina, accented by worn black areas, speaks to centuries of gentle aging, enhancing its ancient allure. Severo, active in early 16th-century Italy, specialized in small-scale bronzes and plaquettes, drawing from classical antiquity to appeal to Renaissance collectors. Plaquette like this were prized as portable art objects, often depicting mythological figures such as Medusa, whose petrifying gaze symbolized protection against evil in both ancient Greek lore and later European iconography. Cast via lost-wax technique, the relief's high contrast and dynamic modeling showcase Severo's skill in translating dramatic myths into intimate metalworks. This intimate talisman invites visitors to ponder the Renaissance revival of classical themes, blending terror and beauty in a format perfect for scholarly contemplation or princely cabinets of wonder. (198 words)