The crucifixion, plaquette
(16th century)

• MODERNO

‘Moderno’ is the pseudonym of the medalist Galeazzo Mondella, active in Northern Italy in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. He signed certain pieces of his work OPUS MODERNI (‘work of the modern’). The modern here refers to his use of the classical style of the ancient world in his compositions, in contrast to the Gothic style which dominated European art up until the time of the Renaissance. Moderno specialised in small plaquettes exploring religious or classical themes, and catered for a clientele of learned Humanists scholars who devoted themselves to reviving the learning of the classical world.