Bull hunt 16th century

This bronze plaquette, "Bull Hunt," was made by Valerio Belli in the 16th century. Notice the incredible detail packed into its small, circular form, achieved through a lost-wax casting process. The scene comes to life through the material. The bronze is cool and hard, perfectly suited to capturing the dynamic energy of the hunt. Imagine the artist, Belli, meticulously carving the original design in wax, a soft material that allowed for minute details. This was then encased in a mold, the wax melted away, and molten bronze poured in its place. The process speaks to a high degree of skill. The "Bull Hunt" illustrates the thrill of the aristocratic chase, transformed into a precious object. The bronze immortalizes the leisure pursuits of the elite. By considering the plaquette’s material and making, we can appreciate how craft elevates a scene of power and privilege into a lasting work of art.