Moderno

Moderno, likely the pseudonym of Galeazzo Mondella, was an Italian Renaissance sculptor and medalist active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Working primarily in bronze, he produced small-scale reliefs, plaquettes, and medals that drew heavily on classical mythology and ancient Roman art. His subjects ranged from Hercules battling the Nemean Lion to complex mythological narratives packed into surprisingly small compositions.

Moderno's plaquettes circulated widely across Renaissance Europe, serving as decorative objects for collectors and as models for other artists. His mastery of low-relief carving allowed him to create convincing depth and movement within just a few millimeters of bronze. Our collection features 8 works at the Cleveland Museum of Art.