Allegory of Virtue 1500 - 1515

Andrea Riccio created this bronze plaquette, "Allegory of Virtue," during the Renaissance. At just two inches in diameter, the incredible detail of the relief is immediately striking. The artist would have used a subtractive process, working with small metal tools to slowly remove the background from the foreground. This process requires patience, control and considerable skill. The bronze material itself is critical here, as it allowed Riccio to achieve fine lines, and would have been prized for its durability. Beyond the virtuosity of the carving, it’s worth considering what this object was for. It was likely intended to be handled, and treasured. You can see the hole at the bottom, suggesting that it may have been worn as a pendant. It’s a small assertion of power and knowledge, reflecting the values of the Renaissance. The appeal of bronze, then as now, lies in its capacity to carry meaning and value far beyond its original making.