David Triumphant over Goliath
- Object:
Plaquette
- Place of origin:
Italy (made)
- Date:
1500-1520 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Moderno (makers)
- Materials and Techniques:
Bronze
- Museum number:
896-1855
- Gallery location:
Sculpture, Room 111, The Gilbert Bayes Gallery, case DR17
Plaquettes are small plaques made of bronze, brass, lead or precious metals. They originated in the 1440s with the desire to reproduce coins and hardstone engravings from ancient Greece and Rome. Some were made as collector’s pieces, to be viewed and displayed in private, and others for practical purposes. They also inspired designs in other media, from architecture to bookbindings.
Moderno was one of the most prolific and successful Renaissance artists to work with plaquettes. The composition of this example represents Virtue defeating Tyranny. It is a rare design and few versions are known.
