Goldsmiths' Ornaments [reverse] after 1496

This bronze plaquette, Goldsmiths' Ornaments [reverse], was created by Bartolommeo Melioli around the late 15th century. The composition immediately strikes you with its circular format and the low relief work, creating a subtle play of light and shadow. The copper-brown patina lends a warmth that softens the otherwise rigid structure of the piece. The arrangement of the elements, a seemingly random assortment of human and floral forms, is anything but. Note the central void of the head, around which all other elements are deliberately arranged, each ornament seemingly held in orbit around it. This deliberate organization suggests an underlying order. The details, though small, are meticulously rendered, further enhancing the tactile quality. Each figure and floral motif displays a high level of detail. This attention to detail elevates the mundane to the level of art. The plaque becomes a microcosm of the cultural codes and aesthetic values of its time.