The Justice of Brutus

Giovanni Bernardi

Associated Names
Giovanni Bernardi

Sculptor, Bolognese, 1494 - 1553

The sculpture depicts a historical scene in relief. Figures are shown in various postures and attire. One figure is seated on a raised platform under an architectural structure, possibly signifying authority, holding what appears to be a staff. Other individuals surround this central figure, including soldiers with helmets, armor, spears, and shields. Some figures are in bowing or kneeling positions. The sculpture is made of light-colored stone, giving it a textured appearance. The intricately carved figures have detailed clothing, armor, and facial features. The scene suggests a narrative or event from a past era, possibly wartime or ceremonial. A theme of hierarchy and order is prominent.

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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lead

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (oval): 5 x 6.8 cm (1 15/16 x 2 11/16 in.) gross weight: 44 gr

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.513

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his estate; purchased 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London and New York); purchased 1945 by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York; gift 1957 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1886

  • Molinier, Émile. Les Bronzes de la Renaissance. Les Plaquettes; Catalogue Raisonné. 2 vols. Paris, 1886:, 1:208, no. 299 (as Belli).

1931

  • Ricci, Seymour de. The Gustave Dreyfus Collection. Reliefs and Plaquettes. Oxford, 1931. vol. II, 254-255, no. 379, pl. 108.

1951

  • National Gallery of Art. Renaissance Bronzes: Statuettes, Reliefs and Plaquettes, Medals and Coins from the Kress Collection. Introduction by Perry B. Cott. Washington, 1951: 157.

1965

  • Pope-Hennessy, John W. Renaissance Bronzes from the Samuel H. Kress Collection: Reliefs, Plaquettes, Statuettes, Utensils and Mortars. London, 1965: 15, no. 35, fig. 381.

1983

  • Wilson, Carolyn C. Renaissance Small Bronze Sculpture and Associated Decorative Arts at the National Gallery of Art. Washington, 1983: 112, no. 10.

1989

  • Donati 1989, 240, note.

Wikidata ID

Q63814995

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