Gian Michele Zerbi [obverse]

c. 1550

Milanese 16th Century

Associated Names
Milanese 16th Century

Medalist

The image shows a sculpted medallion featuring a profile portrait of a bearded man looking to the left. The sculpture captures the intricate details of the man's facial features and curly hair, as well as the texture of his clothes, which include a high-collared garment with buttons. A series of inscriptions circumnavigate the medallion, with the name "IO. MICHAEL ZERBUS" being prominently visible. The medallion is crafted from a material with an aged, warm brown patina, suggesting it is made from bronze or a similar metal. The surface shows signs of antiquity with varying tones.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.39 cm (2 1/8 in.)
    gross weight: 43.83 gr (0.097 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1999.109.17.a

Associated Artworks

The sculpture on the coin features a relief of a human figure in a reclining or fallen pose, with one arm reaching upwards. The background of the relief includes an architectural structure with columns on the right and foliage or possibly a tree on the left. The material of the sculpture appears to be metal, with the color being a weathered bronze or copper, exhibiting an aged patina. The sculpture, being part of a coin, is of a small, circular shape and is designed to be viewed up close, revealing intricate details despite its size. The border of the coin is beaded, and there is an engraving around the edge.

Allegory of Music [reverse]

Milanese 16th Century

1550

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 1999 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. 830, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: IO.MICHAEL.ZERBVS.MENSIS.AETAT.SVE / XXV

Wikidata ID

Q63861587

You may be interested in

Loading Results