Base for a Statuette

early 16th century

On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 14

The two satirical scenes that decorate this carving take inspiration from the complexities of love. One suggests the attraction between the sexes during courtship, while the other alludes to infidelity after marriage. Moralistic themes of this sort were often inspired by late medieval theater.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Base for a Statuette
Date: early 16th century
Culture: North French or South Netherlandish
Medium: Elephant ivory
Dimensions: Overall: 3 5/8 x 4 3/4 x 4 9/16 in. (9.2 x 12.1 x 11.6 cm)
Classification: Ivories-Elephant
Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1955
Object Number: 55.168
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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