Base for a Statuette

Unknown

early 16th century · Ivory · The Cloisters

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 16th century

Medium

Ivory

Culture

North French or South Netherlandish

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1955