Putti Receiving Shower of Este Diamond Rings [reverse]

1505

Ferrarese 16th Century

Associated Names
The image shows a round medallion-like sculpture with a detailed scene featuring small human figures or cherubic forms in raised relief. The figures are engaged in an activity, with arms outstretched or interacting with each other. Above them are floral or symbolic motifs. The outer edge has an inscription in an ancient or classical style. The sculpture appears to be made of bronze or a similar metal with an aged patina, giving it an antique appearance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Weak cast

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 9.24 cm (3 5/8 in.)
    gross weight: 219.81 gr (0.485 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.634.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a bas-relief medallion with a profile portrait of an individual wearing a cap and high-collared garment. The male subject is depicted in a side-facing bust from the shoulders up. It is made of metal, possibly bronze or patinated metal, with a dark brown and green coloration. The medallion is small, similar to a coin or medal in size. The border features inscriptions wrapping around the upper edge of the portrait. The relief gives the figure a distinguished look with detailed features in the hat and face. Overall, the medallion combines artistry with a historical or commemorative style.

Ercole I d'Este, 1431-1505, Duke of Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio 1471 [obverse]

Ferrarese 16th Century

1505


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gustave Dreyfus [1837-1914], Paris; his heirs; purchased with the entire Dreyfus collection 9 July 1930 by (Duveen Brothers, Inc., London, New York, and Paris); sold 31 January 1944 to the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, New York;[1] gift 1957 to NGA.
[1] The Duveen Brothers Records document the firm’s sixteen year pursuit and eventual acquisition of the Dreyfus collection, which included paintings, sculptures, small bronzes, medals, and plaquettes. Bequeathed as part of his estate to Dreyfus’ widow and five children (a son and four daughters), who had differing opinions about its disposition, the collection was not sold until after his widow’s death in April 1929. Duveen did not wish to separate Dreyfus’ collection of small bronzes, medals, and plaquettes, and it was sold intact to the Kress Foundation for a price that was met by installment payments every three months. (Duveen Brothers Records, accession number 960015, Research Library, The Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles: reel 301, box 446, folders 3 and 4; reel 302, box 447, folders 1-6; reel 303, box 448, folders 1 and 2; reel 330, box 475, folder 4.) See also George Francis Hill’s discussion "A Note on Pedigrees" in his catalogue, The Gustave Dreyfus Collection: Renaissance Medals, Oxford, 1931: xii, which was commissioned by Duveen Brothers.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 64, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: IVPPITER EX ALTO NOBIS ADAMANTA REMISIT

Wikidata ID

Q63847531

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