Unknown’s work is defined by its painter sensibility — an enduring influence on generations that followed. Most artists are dead; following is a declaration of love.
Reclining Female Nude
Unknown Artist Italian, late 16th century
Rape of Proserpina
Unknown Artist Italian, mid-16th century
Return of the Prodigal Son
Unknown Artist (North Italian, 1500-1599) possibly Giuseppe Caletti (Italian, c. 1600 - c. 1660)
Door Boss: Bust of a Satyress
Northern Italian
Phaeton Driving the Chariot of Phoebus
Northern Italian; possibly Verona
Casket
Italian; Sicily
Headrest (Isicamelo)
Zulu South Africa
Woman's Hat (Isicholo)
Zulu South Africa Eastern and Southern Africa
Lidded Container
Attributed to Unobhadule (active mid- to late 19th century) Northern Nguni KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Eastern and Southern Africa
Sinan Reis and Hayreddin Barbarossa
Italian
Vessel for Serving Beer
Northern Nguni, probably Zulu South Africa Eastern and Southern Africa
Madonna and Child
Young Woman with Hunter
Artist unknown (Italian, active 18th century)
Vessel for Serving Beer (Ukhamba)
Zulu KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Eastern and Southern Africa
Two Monks in a Landscape
Italian or Spanish
Zulu Hlabisa region, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Eastern and Southern Africa
Mercury
Vessel (Ukhamba)
Magwaza family Zulu KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Eastern and Southern Africa