Not currently on display at the V&A

Arion Captured by Pirates

Medallion
late 15th century to early 16th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This bronze medallion plaque depicting Arion captured by pirates is attributed to Moderno, made in Italy in the late 15th to early 16th century.

Moderno is the pseudonym of a goldsmith and medallist active in North Italy and later in Rome. He signed certain pieces of his work with OPUS MODERNI (opus is the Latin term for 'work' - which then means 'work of the modern'). The modern here is referring to the Ancient World, in contrary to the Naturalism of the Gothic. He was active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. His earliest works may date around 1485-1490, and his earliest dated work is 1490.
There are many different suggestions in literature to whom OPUS MODERNI may refer, and there has never been a clear answer to it.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleArion Captured by Pirates (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Medallion Plaque. Bronze. Attributed to Moderno, Italy, 15th century.
Physical description
Arion naked except for a small shoulder mantle stands between two armed men, who bind his arms behind him. In the background to the right is a ship, and in the foreground a viol. Flat moulded rim. Dark brown patina.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 10.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
Arion naked except for a small shoulder mantle stands between two armed men, who bind his arms behind him. In the background to the right is a ship, and in the foreground a viol. Flat moulded rim. Dark brown patina.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This bronze medallion plaque depicting Arion captured by pirates is attributed to Moderno, made in Italy in the late 15th to early 16th century.

Moderno is the pseudonym of a goldsmith and medallist active in North Italy and later in Rome. He signed certain pieces of his work with OPUS MODERNI (opus is the Latin term for 'work' - which then means 'work of the modern'). The modern here is referring to the Ancient World, in contrary to the Naturalism of the Gothic. He was active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. His earliest works may date around 1485-1490, and his earliest dated work is 1490.
There are many different suggestions in literature to whom OPUS MODERNI may refer, and there has never been a clear answer to it.
Bibliographic references
  • Inventory of Art Objects Acquired in the Year 1855. In: Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, Arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol I. London: Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 75
  • Maclagan, Eric. Catalogue of Italian Plaquettes . London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1924, p. 33
Collection
Accession number
1078-1855

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Record createdApril 24, 2008
Record URL
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