Maximillian II, Holy Roman Emperor (1527–1576)

Antonio Abondio

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

These medal portrayals of the Holy Roman Emperor and his wife Maria (see also 1989.12.3) are cast separate with plain reverse, but the couple can be found united on one medal as well. The separation of the images allowed to compare both captivating profiles as companion pieces side by side, but also enabled craftsmen to incorporate them in other Kunstkammer and presentation objects, such as ebony cabinets or boxes, silver drinking vessels, or precious jewelry mounts. Abondio entered the service of Emperor Maximillian II (r. 1564–76) in Vienna in 1566 and was kept on by his son Rudolf II (r. 1576–1612). The artist later moved with the imperial court from Vienna to Prague. His strength was in the imposing characterization of princely portraiture in which he never neglected his love for minute ornamental details.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.

Metropolitan Museum of Art