Accellino di Meliaduce Salvago (ca. 1420–before 1506) 1485 - 1499

This marble relief of Accellino di Meliaduce Salvago was carved by Antonio Tamagnini, an Italian sculptor, around 1500. Consider the weight of this object. At over 30 kilograms, it is a substantial piece of stone. You can imagine Tamagnini, working with hammer and chisel, gradually coaxing the form out of the blank material. Marble dust would have filled the air, coating his skin as he meticulously shaped the man's profile. The high level of skill required for such work meant that sculptors like Tamagnini were highly sought after. The cost of the marble itself, combined with the labor involved, meant that only wealthy patrons could afford such luxury items. As such, this portrait is not just a likeness of Accellino, but a signifier of his status and wealth. Looking closely, you’ll see how the dense, hard qualities of the marble lend the portrait a sense of permanence, but the elaborate carving also demonstrates the extraordinary craftsmanship and artistry of the Renaissance. Appreciating the material and making of this portrait allows us to understand its original social and cultural significance, challenging any distinction between fine art and craft.