Cacus Stealing the Oxen of Hercules 16th century

This is a plaquette, ‘Cacus Stealing the Oxen of Hercules,’ made of bronze by Moderno, or Galeazzo Mondella, in the late 15th or early 16th century. Its small scale speaks to its function as a collectible object, and its making involved skilled metalworking. To achieve this level of detail, Moderno likely used a lost-wax casting method. This process involves creating a wax model, encasing it in a mold, melting out the wax, and then pouring molten bronze into the cavity. After cooling, the mold is broken to reveal the bronze casting, which is then refined through chasing and finishing. The figures of Cacus and Hercules, along with the oxen, are rendered in high relief, showcasing Moderno's mastery of form and composition. The plaquette’s material and making are central to its cultural significance, reflecting the values of the Renaissance, which revered both classical subject matter and technical virtuosity. It also challenges traditional notions of art by demonstrating the fusion of craft and fine art.