Eagle with Spread Wings Supporting a Platform of Symbolic Objects [reverse]

1468

Clemente da Urbino

Associated Names
Clemente da Urbino

Artist, Milanese, active 1468

This is a photograph of a historical or commemorative medal. The image features a circular metal object with intricate designs and inscriptions. The central focus of the medal includes an eagle with outstretched wings at the bottom, atop which sits a spherical object. Flanking the central design are two devices—a helmeted figure with raised sword on the left and a design of a plumed helmet atop a column or pedestal on the right. Above these elements is an arc of celestial symbols: a star, a planet, and another star with adjacent symbols resembling a key or ankh. Surrounding the border of the medal is an inscribed Latin text, featuring phrases like "MARS FERVET" and "INVICTUS." The overall design suggests themes of power, conquest, or honor, likely referencing the achievements or aspirations of a notable figure or event from history. The craftsmanship indicates a detailed and deliberate composition, highlighting artistic and historical significance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 9.44 cm (3 11/16 in.)
    gross weight: 288.94 gr (0.637 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.693.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture depicts an older man wearing a flat hat and ornate clothing in profile. The man is looking to the left, showing detailed facial features including a prominent nose and lips. The sculpture is made of bronze, giving it a metallic brown color with visible patina. Engraved inscriptions run along the edges of the circular form, which likely offer context or identification. The sculpture is designed as a medallion with a hole near the edge for suspension or display.

Federigo da Montefeltro, 1422-1482, Count of Urbino 1444, and Duke 1474 [obverse]

Clemente da Urbino

1468


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Sir John Charles Robinson [1824-1913], London; (his sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 19-21 May 1884, no. 29); 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

1994

  • Pernis, Maria Grazia. "Fifteenth-Century Patrons and the Scipio-Caesar Controversy." Text 6 (1994): 186-188, fig. 2.

2007

  • Pollard, John Graham. Renaissance Medals. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. 2 vols. Washington, 2007: 1:no. 143, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: MARS FERVS ET SVMHVM TANGENS CYTHEREA TONANTEM DANT TIBI REGNA PARES ET TVA FATA MOVENT; across center in field: INVICTVS FEDERICVS C[omes] V[r]BINI / ANNO D[omini] MCCCCLXVIII; oB //: OPVS CLEMENTIS V[r]BINATIS

Wikidata ID

Q63847508

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