The Virgin & Child with Four Angels c. early 16th century

This bronze relief panel, titled "The Virgin & Child with Four Angels," was made anonymously, and dates from no later than the early 16th century. The artist would have started with a wax model, carefully sculpting the figures and drapery to achieve this composition. The wax would then be invested in a mold, melted out, and molten bronze poured in to take its place. The rough casting would be carefully finished, with details chased into the surface and a patina applied for color. The appeal of bronze lies in its capacity to capture fine detail and its robust, weighty feel. This panel would have been prized for its exquisite workmanship, and also for its direct connection to the hallowed traditions of bronze casting practiced since antiquity. Its reproduction in multiples would have made it accessible to those of middling means. So, while this panel represents a timeless religious subject, it also speaks to the social stratification and industrial practices of its time. By focusing on material and making, we can appreciate the rich cultural context of the artwork.