The Castle of Pesaro [reverse]

probably 1474

Gianfrancesco Enzola

Associated Names
Gianfrancesco Enzola

Artist, Parmese, active 1455/1478

This is a photograph of an old coin with a castle motif. The coin features a detailed depiction of a castle with multiple towers and battlements in relief. Surrounding the castle design is an inscription in a stylized font. The surface of the coin shows signs of wear and has a patina, giving it a historical appearance. The design and craftsmanship suggest it is a commemorative or historical piece.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.06 cm (1 3/16 in.)
    gross weight: 14.24 gr (0.031 lb.)
    axis: 2:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.692.b

Associated Artworks

The image shows a circular medallion with the side profile of a figure. The subject has medium-length curly hair and is wearing a garment with a high collar. The medallion is primarily brown, suggesting a material like bronze. There are inscriptions surrounding the profile in a circular pattern. The medallion displays a detailed relief with a slightly raised portrait against a flatter background. The design showcases artistic craftsmanship typical of commemorative or portrait medallions, featuring raised design and engraved text.

Costanzo Sforza, 1447-1483, Lord of Pesaro 1473 [obverse]

Gianfrancesco Enzola

1474


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. 142, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: CONDIDIT SALVTI ET MEMORIAE

Wikidata ID

Q63847619

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