Francesco Potenziano, or Francesco da Potenza [obverse]

c. 1575

Neapolitan 16th Century

Associated Names
Neapolitan 16th Century

Medalist

The sculpture is a bas-relief medallion depicting the profile of a man with a laurel wreath adorning his hair, facing to the right. The medallion is crafted from a material that appears bronze. The surface is textured and shows signs of aging or intentional antiquing, with some wear visible around the edges and the raised design. The medallion features an inscribed border with the words "FRANCISCVS POTENSAMIS" encircling the profile portrait. A small hole near the top edge suggests it may have been designed to be worn as a pendant.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.08 cm (1 5/8 in.)
    gross weight: 23.52 gr (0.052 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1998.108.13.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a round medallion featuring a central sun with a face, surrounded by cloud-like forms. The medallion is made of bronze, with a warm, golden-brown color and an aged patina on the surface. Inscribed along the upper edge of the medallion is the phrase "ET . NVBILA . FELLIT." At the top, there is a small hole. The sculpture's surface has an uneven texture, with darkened lines accentuating the features. The medallion appears to be small and handheld.

Radiant Sun Dispelling Clouds [reverse]

Neapolitan 16th Century

1575

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1998 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 815, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: FRANCISCVS POTENSANVS

Wikidata ID

Q63861571

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