http://collections.mfa.org/collections/objectsrdf/315142;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107AOE.European Decorative Arts and Sculpture Highlightshttp://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/908715/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/786540/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Andironabout 1785Pierre-Philippe ThomireGilt bronze, silver-plated copper plaque decorated with oil-based paint containing Prussian blue pigmentA pair of andirons. Each comprising two goats with forelegs balancing on central urn and with grapes in their ouths; a thyrsus with pinecone finial extending vertically between them. The base decorated with gilt-bronze relief of cupids and grape vines against an enamel ground.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/505383;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/981876/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Architectureabout 1600Giambologna (Jean Boulogne)Metal; Bronze; marble baseFigure of "Architecture". Nude female figure wearing fillet, drapery over right leg, holding in right hand a drawing instruments and in her left a drawing board. Signed on lower edge of drawing, GIO BOLONGE.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58907;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/797829/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Armchair1787Jean-Baptiste-Claude SenéGilded beechPart of a set of furniture (including Bed 21.1265, Kneeling Chair 53.2092, Bergere 36.640, Firescreen 27.533, Armchair 53.2851, and Side Chairs 27.524, 27.525, 47.244, and 53.2850)http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58730;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1000971/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Baptism of Christmid-13th centuryLimogesChamplevé enamel and gilding on copperRelief with three pinholes (in the ewer and lower corners) representing John the Baptist in three-quarter view pouring water from a ewer over a nimbed frontal Christ. With his right arm raised in benediction, Christ stands immersed to the thighs in water (the river Jordan). Single copper sheet, repoussé (into a mold), cut out, champlevé, engraved, chased, enameled, and gilded. The blue glass eyes are inset. Both figures have finely chased long hair and beards. Curved segments of white enamel indicate the movement of the water, in which fish are in reserve and engraved. All except two swim to the left. Saint John's garment is chased to indicate fur on the outside.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/52340;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/804294/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Bottle vaseabout 1730Meissen ManufactoryHard-paste porcelain with colored enamel and gilded decorationPear-shaped sake bottle painted in Kakiemon style with birds and flowering flowering foliage.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58366;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/834068/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Bust of Beatrice1819–22Antonio CanovaStone; marbleMarble bust by Antonio Canovahttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/369815;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/983563/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Bust of Cleopatraabout 1519–22Pier Jacopo Alari BonacolsiMetal; bronze, with traces of gildingPatinated black surface (with bronze shining through), and traces of gilding. Life-size bust with head turned and bent, eyes downcast, Classical face, wavy hair. Crown and serpent on base identify it as Cleopatra. Diadem, two buttons at top of gown.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58913;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1298198/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Cabinetabout 1875Bruce TalbertWalnut, veneers of thuja, ash, boxwood, ebony, mahogany, satinwood, and walnutBack has slightly arched panel with central inlaid sunburst motif surmounting a row of turned elements, shaped shelf supported by turned columns, and three bevelled mirror panels. Central cupboard door with inlaid panels depicting a reclining woman flanked by two doors with inlaid floral designs resting on two pairs of small drawers on either side of a recessed bevelled mirror. Base consists of a long cupboard door with five square inlaid panels with alternating stylized floral and bird designs. Inwardly curving skirt with alternating panels of incised scalloped and diaper patterns above balustraded central stretcher. Turned front legs and straight back legs joined by turned side stretchers.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/54111;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/995152/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Cabinet-on-standabout 1805James NewtonOak, pine, and mahogany, veneered with satinwood, rosewood, tulipwood, ebony, and boxwood; partially ebonized and gilded; ivory, and brassDesigned for a collector, this cabinet is fitted with two banks of eight graduated drawers, intended to hold medals, coins, and other small-scale works of art. The case has a frieze with a Vitruvian scroll below a brass gallery and cast bronze Egypitan heads at each corner of the front and sides of the upper case. A lion's head is at the center of the separate stand, which has reeded legs and lion's paw feet.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/474222;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1577689/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Carved panelabout 1770Claude-Nicolas LedouxPainted and gilded oakWhite background, design in relief and gilded. From the Hotel de Montmorency, Paris.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58734;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1298211/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Casket1820–21John HarrisGilded silverThe rectangular box rests on four detachable lobed feet. The box has broad cast moldings above and below with a string of beads around the top and bottom edges. The sides of the box are formed of square panels of intricate geometric ornament in low relif- four across the front of the box and three along the sides. The box has two covers assembled on one hinge; the interior cover may be concealed within the outer cover by a separate lock. The square panels on the hidden cover are of a different geometric design, incorporating an interlaced chain with an inscription and at the center initials in cipher. The panels, separated by plain moldings, are cast individually from a model that was pierced and assembled. They are meticulously finished.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/59288;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1016808/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Chandelier1736–37William KentSilverComposed of eight cast branches supported by sphinxes. Surmounted by globe with horse of Hannover, flanked by putti, the whole surmounted by a sovereign's crown.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/53310;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/797861/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Cistern1708–09David Willaume ISilverThe cistern rests on a domed spreading foot assembled of three raised sections chased with two horizontal bands of gadrooning, and above, a chased band of pendant, stylized leaves below a molded arcade. The bombé body of the vessel is raised from heavy sheet, with a chased border of stylized leaves decorating the upper edge. The applied heavy rim is formed of a broad band of gadrooning. The handles are suspended from two brackets in the form of wyverns, cast in several pieces and heavily chased, applied at either end of the body. The urn-shaped fountain rests on a domed spreading foot that is chased with a broad gadrooned band. The spool-shaped stem, formed of several chased sections, has applied vertical brackets and cast gadrooned borders. it supports the baluster body of the vessel, which is formed of seven sections of raised sheet with a gadrooned underside, and four applied cast vertical brackets with rosetts. Four cast lions heads are applied to the shoulder of the vessel, each holding a cast is surmounted by a cast and chased figure in the form of a falcon.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/129116;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/808233/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Console Tableabout 1730Josef EffnerGilded pine and limewood; marble topRichly carved and gilded, shaped marble top. Masks on knees of cabriole legs with paw feet, medallion with profile head on skirt, scrolls and garlands. Stretcher has full round seated cupids supporting Imperial coat-of-arms on breast of eagle.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58749;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1154214/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Console tableabout 1761–63Alcora ManufactoryTin-glazed earthenware, colored enamelsTable whose shaped top consists of two halves supported by four legs in the form of musicians playing horns and trumpets.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/546537;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/794058/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Corpusabout 1600–10Giambologna (Jean Boulogne)Metal; silverSilver corpus, finely chiseled and tooled.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58916;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/972342/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Covered cupabout 1390–1420Silver-gilt, with punched (poinconné) decoration and basse-taille enamelshttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/477884;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/979272/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Covered cup (Globuspokal)about 1580–90Abraham GessnerSilver, partially gildedhttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/481293;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1016794/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Cruet for Oil and Vinegar1575–87Medici Porcelain Factory, Italian (Florence)Soft-paste porcelain, underglaze blue decorationhttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58789;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/908715/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Diana and Stag Automatonabout 1610–20Joachim FriesCast and chased silver, partially gilded and painted with translucent lacquershttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/452791;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/795991/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Eternal Springtimemodeled about 1881; cast about 1916–17Auguste RodinMetal; bronzeTwo young nude figures meet in kiss. Her legs graze the ground and her upper body is held in a taut arc and supported by the embrace of the male figure. He is posed precariously on the edge of a rocky mound, crossing his legs, extending his left foot beyond the sculpture base and his left arm in a full and graceful reach into space. On the rear, the male figure sports small pair of double wings, and female figure has a mass of floating hair, joining the flame motif on base.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/59515;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1298191/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Ewer and Basin1567–68Unknown ArtistSilver, parcel giltThe ewer is vase-shaped, with a domed molded foot, a spool-shaped stem, and a tapering neck flaring to a broad, shaped lip with a gadrooned edge. The handle is ear-shaped with a scrolling terminus. The body of the ewer is decorated with portraits of the sovereigns in two registers. Around the shoulder are five circular medallions with portrait profiles of Edward 111, Edward 11, Edward 1, Henry 111, and John. Around the body of the vessel in elliptical panels are engraved standing portraits of Richard 1, Henry 11, Stephen, Henry 1, William Rufus, and William 1. On the basin and the ewer, the engraved panels are left white, and the enframing garlands are gilt. The basin is raised, with a molded wire applied to the rim. The central boss is composed of a raised rim with a flat disk let in to the center; it is riveted to the basin. The body of the ewer is formed from two raised sections, with a molded wire covering the join. The foot is assembled from a raised domed section with a wire rim, a raised stem, and a fabricated collar. The handle is formed of two pieces. (Part of a set with the basin, 1979.262)http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/496322;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/979944/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Five hanaps from a group of twelveabout 1395–1424Silver, partially gilded, basse-taille enamelThree Paris hanaps with enameled arms, one Paris hanap, and one Angers hanap.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/496397;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/939625/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107The Flood1800Claude Michel, called ClodionTerracottaThis terracotta is Clodion's small-scale sketch for a lifesize plaster--one of his most important late works--that he exhibited at the Salon of 1801, in Paris. The sculpture depicts a father carrying his son as he struggles against the waves to find a higher elevation. Clodion intentionally selected the heroic subject matter in an attempt to secure a commission from the new consular government of France, headed by Napoleon Bonaparte. Although he earned a first-class medal for his works, the commission never materialized, and the original plaster has disappeared.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58921;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/799749/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Girl in a Swingabout 1752Charles Gouyn's FactorySoft-paste porcelainFigural group in white; girl swinging with arms outstretched on a swing suspended between tree stumps with leafy branches.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/54389;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/856773/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Head of a Woman1909Pablo PicassoBronzeBronze, cast by Vollard. Signature incised on neck "Picasso". [card 2] Cubist head of a woman. Bronze, one of three or four cast by Vollard. Head and gaze slightly averted towards right. Surface broken up into sharp ridges modeling face© 2011 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/65330;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/743560/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Inkstand1876Frédéric BoucheronSilver, partially gilded, champlevé, basse taille, cloisonné enamelSilver, partially gilded, decorated in champlevé, basse-taille, and cloisonné enamels, with cut out base supported on four cast turtles, enameled with geometric patterns, naturalistic scenes, and facsimile prints surrounding a sea with carp. Fitted with a drawer etched and parcel-gilt in three colors. Base supports four shaped letter racks in geometric patterns flanked by two rolling blotters topped with "shi-shi" dogs holding brocade balls. Removable central section has a vase-shaped pen holder decorated with female figures, plants, and field mice in kimonos, flanked by nesting boxes enameled in landscape and geometric motifs. Removable lids topped by a beetle and a wasp in gold and basse-taille enamel.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/314240;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/808234/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Layette Basket1666–67Adriaen van HoeckeSilverRectangular shape enclosing wide border of flowers finely chased. Subject depicted in panel in middle of basket is from Virgil, "Without food and drink, love grows cold"; Ceres and Bacchus offering gifts to Venus, with landscape in background. Monogram on handles.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/59307;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/983564/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Macawabout 1732Meissen ManufactoryHard-paste porcelainNaturalistically modeled, perching on a tree stump base, upside down with wings unfurled and beak open.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/466235;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/722085/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Madonna of the Cloudsabout 1425–35DonatelloStone; marbleMarble. Madonna and child with angels, cherubshttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58904;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1411365/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Mary of Burgundyabout 1837–42Jean-Auguste BarreMetal; bronzeThis bronze statuette represents the 15th-century Valois princess and wife of the Hapsburg Emperor Maximilian I of Austria. It shows Mary out hawking, but sadly represents the moment just before the accident that would lead to her death. While she is still happily lost in the world of the hunt, the rearing horse and running page who tries to control the beast indicate the tragic nature of the story to the viewer.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/343639;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/796017/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Oliphantabout 1100IvoryElephant tusk carved in sharp relief with six wide bands depicting graphic hunting scenes of wolves attacking a deer, an eagle clutching a rabbit in its talons, and lions attacking a bull, alternating with narrow bands of zigzag ornament. Later iron chain.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/57618;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/796018/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Oval dishlate 16th or early 17th centuryBernard PalissyLead-glazed earthenwareOval dish, with applied snake, fish, frogs, crayfish, and leaves, arranged in a simulated river bed, decorated with translucent lead glazes in naturalistic colors, including green, yellow, blue, and brown.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/63787;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/758786/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Pair of Ice-Cream Coolers from Service des plantes de la Malmaison1803–04Sèvres ManufactoryHard-paste porcelain with colored enamel and gilded decorationUrn-shaped ice-cream coolers with lids and porcelain liners.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/493753;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1016799/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Plate depicting the story of Perseus and Andromeda from the Isabella d'Este serviceabout 1524Nicola da UrbinoTin-glazed earthenware (maiolica)This plate forms part of an original set of 24 with the emblems of Isabella d'Este-Gonzaga (1474-1539), wife of Francesco Gonzaga and celebrated Renaissance patron of the arts. The set is painted with mythological scenes, mostly from prints after Ovid's Metamorphoses, with the exception of two Biblical subjects. The plates include the arms of Gonzaga impaling Este as well as several of Isabella's imprese (emblems) and devices. Represented is a scene of the young Perseus who, after having slain Medusa, came to the rescue of Andromeda. She had been chained to a rock by the wrathful sea God, Poseidon and subjected to a terrible sea monster. Perseus killed the monster, freed and later married her.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58792;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1030881/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Reliquary casket ("Emly Shrine")late 7th–early 8th centuryChamplevé enamel on bronze over yew wood; gilt bronze moldings, inlay of lead-tin alloyCarved from a single block of wood, the body and lid have bronze moldings applied with small nails on the edges. Attached to the ridgepole of the sloped roof are bird's-head terminals in green, yellow and red (now brown) enamel and a central boss-repeating the shape of the shrine- with a grid of yellow and green enamel. Only the front is decorated with thin strips of a lead-tin alloy hammered into a repetitive step pattern around central crosses engraved in the wood and with three medallions with yellow and green enamel arranged in a geometric pattern of concentric circles. There are two hinges on the back and an interior clasp on the front.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/52287;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1224552/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Saddleabout 1430–60Unidentified artistBone over wood core, lined underneath with hide covered with birch bark, polychromyStaghorn, carved and partly colored, lined with birch bark; decorated with figures in low relief against background of inhabited scrollwork; St. George and the Dragon; men and women in fashionable secular costumes holding inscribed ribbons with initials (G and S) and German inscriptions (motto: Gedenkch und Halt "Look before you leap" or "Think and Hold", depending on translation, repeated three times).http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/64967;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1015631/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Samson and Lion Aquamanileearly 14th centuryLeaded latten (81.7% copper, 9.9% tin, 7% lead, 1.4% zinc)Pouring vessel in the shape of Samson battling the lion with the lion's tail arranged as a handle, an aperture for filling in the top of Samson's head, and a spout in the shape of a beast head below the lion's left ear. Cast in one piece, chased and punched. Represented at the moment he springs onto the back of the lion, Samson rests his left leg on one side of the animal, while pressing the lion's front ribs with his right leg, the knee bent outward. The lion, as if caught by surprise, twists his head backward to face his adversary, who grasps his open jaws. Samson's head is adorned by a narrow band and finely delineated long wavy hair streaming down his back. He wears pointed shoes marked by rows of dots and parallel lines, those ornamented on the right thigh with an eight-pointed rosette, and a short tunic. The latter falls in vertical folds gathered at the waist and decorated with groups of four punched dots forming a lozenge and a band containing a row of punched dots along the edges. The mantle draped over Samson's back has a pattern (resembling that of a Near Eastern textile) with a row of large circles containing smaller concentric punched circles and dots; pointed leaves fill the interstices and lower border. The oval face bears a slight smile and large almond eyes with double edges.The stocky lion, with its finely modeled mane arranged in curled tufts, has a collar with a row of punched dots running around the face from ear to ear and an s-shaped tail with tufts resembling flames attached to Samson's back. The ears are nearly round cavities with hatchings on the edges to indicate fur; the double-edged elongated eyes have deeply incised pupils. A band of hatching for the eyebrows continues along the side of the nose and the face, delineating the snout decorated with punched dots. The open mouth with tongue curled over the side shows four triangular teeth in the front and smaller teeth in back. Legs are marked at the top by parallel rows of punched dots (extending up to the shoulder on the front legs) and at the bottom on the outside by a row of dots between thin vertical ribs (suggesting tendons and bones) with hatchings (indicating fur) on either side. The latter pattern is repeated on the underside in front of the genitals. An undulating surface on the claws reveals bone structure and cavities from shrinkage underneath. There are small square copper pins (arranged symmetrically) to plug holes for the chaplets, a cast-on patch filling a rectangular hole (probably for removal of the core) on the lion's chest, and a cast-on repair on the lion's face.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/64990;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1016811/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Sauceboat with Liner and Stand1756–59François-Thomas GermainSilverOne of a pair of oval sauceboats with a removable liner on a plateau. The liner has a scalloped edge and scroll handles. The bowl is fluted, supported on a rockwork base with handles formed of branches of celery. The plateau has sunburst fluting, scrolled rim and handles, and a later engraved crowned monogram of Pedro the 1st of Brazil.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/52917;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/977898/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Soyez amoureuses vous serez heureuses (Be In Love and You Will Be Happy)1889Paul GauguinCarved and painted linden woodCarved and polychromed wood panel in original frame. "Soyez amoureuses vous serez heureuses" on arch amid figures and faces. Gauguin grasping hand of nude woman seated at left. Mourning female nude, cat and flowers at right.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/64860;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/964926/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Spoonabout 1430Painted enamel and gilding on silverThe silver spoon is composed of several pieces: a painted enamel bowl with an applied gilded silver edge and central strip on the back; a cast lion head joining the stem and the bowl; a silver stem wound with a gilded silver band to create a spiral field for enamel; and a gilded silver floral finial cast in two pieces. The figures in grisaille and the triangular treetops and rain in gold are painted over a lapis-blue enamel ground. The stem has traces of green and blue enamel. The fig-shaped bowl appearing to emanate from the mouth of the lion shows, on the inside, a fox standing in a pulpit and wrapped in a monk's habit with three dead geese, whose heads emanate from the cowl. The fox preaches from a charter with a dangling seal (on which only the word "pax" is legible) to a flock of geese who stand on a hillside. Another fox, seated below the pulpit, seizes one of the congregants. Above a fleeing goose is a scroll with an undecipherable inscription. At the top of the scene, on both the front and the back sides of the bowl, golden rain and rays emanate from a small cloud. The back side shows a dense forest of trees on hilly ground.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/52503;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/798233/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Table Cabinetabout 1580–1600Wood; oak and pine veneered with maple, cherry, beech, and other woods, gilt brass, ironThe table cabinet (Schreibtisch) is composed of a drop front and lid which when open reveal eight drawers and four small doors. The underlying carcase is constructed of oak with an inner carcase composed of a softwood. The divides between the drawers and compartments are also a softwood faced on the front edges with hardwood veneers. The carcase wood of the drop front and lid is a softwood. All surfaces of the chest including the interior drawers and doors are decorated with a combination of marquetry and intarsia composed of a variety of European woods. The distinctive material used on this cabinet is the green mottled colored veneer which resembles marble. This material is produced by gluing together wood shavings of different woods to form a composite which is then cut to form a veneer in a technique called "Spänemarmorierung" which is often found on Augsburg cabinets. The green wood on the inside of the cabinet is probably a green fungus stained wood which has been previously reported on Augsburg cabinets.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/334450;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/736656/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Teapot1904Josef HoffmannSilver, ebony, raffiaCylindrical kettle with angled spout and hinged, flat cover. Handle is formed of heavy wires, forms a semi-circle, and wrapped with woven raffia. Geometric finial of ebony. Hammered surface with raised, punched panels in vertical bands.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/45833;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/722301/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Thomas Jefferson1789Jean-Antoine HoudonStone; marbleSaravezza marble on gray and white marble base. Head turned slightly to the sitter's left. Contemporary costume coat with standing collar, waistcoat with buttons, stock. Long hair tied at nape of neck; part of bow knot missing.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58937;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/794140/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107The Three Gracesabout 1620Georg PetelGilded bronzeSeveral of the sculptures of the German sculptor, Georg Petel, are interpretations of two-dimensional compositions by the Flemish baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). This group is certainly inspired by Rubens's Three Graces in the Vienna Academy Museum (painted in about 1620-21). He made an ivory carving of the same group which was listed in the 1635 inventory of the Duke of Buckingham, the present location of which is unknown; it is possible that the bronze group was cast after this ivory. A later bronze cast is in the Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum in Braunschweig (Bro. 181). The figures, with their raised arms and flat palms, originally supported either a shell or a basket of flowers or fruits.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/49009;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1016801/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Three Worthies in the Fiery Furnaceabout 1150–75Unidentified ArtistChamplevé enamel and gilding on copperSlightly convex plaque shaped like a scale with beaded border on the round edge and six pinholes. Hammered, tooled, champlevé, enameled, and gilded. Enamel colors are lapis blue (two shades), azure blue, light blue, white, turquoise, yellow, green, and red in single and mixed fields of up to three colors. A bending angel (inscribed ANGEL[US] with spread wings and arms strikes the flames from the furnace with the three Worthies, Ananias, Azarias, and Misael. They carry a scroll inscribed with their song: BENEDICT[US] ES D[OMI]NE D[EU]S PATRU[M] NOSTROR[UM] ET GLORIOS[US] I]N] S[AE]C[U]LA. With azure-blue halos edged in turquoise, the Worthies, dressed in lapis-blue tunics, stand against a gold ground under a lapis blue scalloped arch and red and turquoise flames. With a cross in his nimbus, Azarias, frontal and in the center, wears a turquoise ephod studded with jewels. The angel, with a turquoise halo edged in light blue and white, has a gold crown with flying ribbons. His tunic is modeled in yellow, green, turquoise, and lapis blue, and his mantle, with a semirosette on the thigh, has folds shaded from a lapis blue to white. Hair is lapis blue with curls outlined in reserve; flesh is white, and faces are all drawn according to the same formula. The almond-shaped eyes have lapis-blue dots; mouths are red, bordered by two parallel lines in reserve. Bound on the outside by a lapis-blue border with stylized leaves outlined in reserve and on the inside by a narrow white band, the scene is described by an inscription: NEC PUEROS LEDIT VESANI REGIS ET IGNIS. NEC MATRIS NATUS DISOLUIT CLAUSTRA PUDORIS.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/52291;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/786525/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Vaseabout 1926Charles SchneiderGlass; blown, with wheel-carved and applied decorationArt deco vase with a straight-up body slightly tapering to a knob and foot of amethyst with blue flecks. Body is clear glass internally decorated with mottled lavender in the upper half and mottled red in the lower part. Additional external decorations are meandering wheel-carved narrow channels in the bottom half, with five applied clear cabochons at different height also in the bottom half.© 2011 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58890;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1016810/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Vaseabout 1900Lajos MackEarthenware with luster glazesEarthenware with luster glaze. Baluster form with molded dragon wrapped around body. Blue luster body with green luster with red highlights. Red luster underside.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/63331;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/798381/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Vase1779Sèvres ManufactorySoft-paste porcelain with polychrome enamels and goldDark blue ground, with reserves painted with scenes from the life of Belisarius. Military trophy depicted in reserve on bac.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/310969;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/796019/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Virgin and Child1771Schrezheim ManufactoryTin-glazed earthenware with brass halo and iron staffFigure of the Virgin, wearing flowing robes and metal halo, holding the Christ Child on her left arm and with a metal rod with cross in outstretched right hand, standing on dragon and crescent moon on globe.http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/58939;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/904804/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Virgin and Childabout 1490–95Tilman RiemenschneiderLimewoodhttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/59586;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/797852/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Virgin and Child1125-1150Unidentified artistLimestone with polychromyhttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/61944;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/757287/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107Virgin and Child on the Crescent Moonabout 1440–50Unidentified artistWood; poplar with polychromyhttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/64982;jsessionid=BFFB9AEE81FA88907D3050E8B84D8107