Bacchanal [reverse]

1684

Massimiliano Soldani Benzi

Associated Names
Massimiliano Soldani Benzi

Medalist, Florentine, 1656 - 1740

The sculpture is a circular relief with intricate details. It features a group of figures engaged in a dynamic scene. In the center, a prominent figure stands with a stick or staff held aloft, surrounded by other figures in motion. Some figures appear to be dancing or celebrating, with a few holding what looks like musical instruments, such as a drum. The sculpture is made of dark bronze, giving it a rich and aged appearance with varying shades that highlight the detailed relief. It is relatively small, resembling a medallion or coin, with the word "CANEBAM" engraved at the bottom. The scene is contained within the circular frame, and the relief conveys movement and energy with interactions and expressions of the figures.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Lisa Unger Baskin

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 8.76 cm (3 7/16 in.)
    gross weight: 183.37 gr (0.404 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    2002.146.16.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a profile relief portrait of a man with long, flowing curly hair extending down past his shoulders. The piece is a round medal made from a material that appears to have a bronze or coppery finish. The man depicted is shown facing to the right, wearing clothing that drapes in folds around his shoulders and chest. His facial features are detailed with a prominent nose and strong outline. The rim of the medal features engraved text that encircles the portrait. The medal's texture and patina suggest depth and age.

Francesco Redi, 1626-1697, Physician and Scientist [obverse]

Massimiliano Soldani Benzi

1684


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased c. 1960/1985 by Lisa and Leonard Baskin, Leeds, Massachusetts; gift 2002 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1987

  • Vannel, Fiorenza, and Giuseppe Toderi. La Medaglia Barocca in Toscana. Florence, 1987: no. 36.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 2:no. 854, repro.

Inscriptions

in exergue: CANEBAM

Wikidata ID

Q63861954

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