The collection showcases sixteen years of meticulous gathering of European bronzes, highlighting Robert Smith's significant contributions to the international art market. This private collection stands out as one of the most important of its kind, reflecting both artistic value and historical significance.
This detailed volume completes the survey of European sculpture and works of art in the collection. Eighty-seven pieces are illustrated and described, including examples in terracotta by Benedetto da Maiano and Riccio, in bronze by Antico and in marble by Bernini.This sequel to ""Medieval Sculpture and Works of Art"" by Paul Williamson (1987) completes the catalogue of European sculpture in The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection. Each object is illustrated in colour, many in numerous views. A special theme explored in the introduction is the variety of ways in which particular images were repeated at different the multiple production of relief images of the Virgin and Child in various materials; variations on a popular iconographical theme in the workshop of Tilman Riemenschneider; and the difficulties of identifying contemporary and later terracotta and plaster reproductions of popular portrait busts produced in eighteenth century France.