Crowned Shield of Arms [reverse]

c. 1500

Neapolitan 15th Century

Associated Names
This is a photograph of an aged and weathered metal medallion or coin featuring a worn coat of arms with engravings. The image presents a round object displaying significant patina with hues of green and brown. The surface of the coin is textured and uneven, with details of a shield-like emblem and linear patterns noticeable despite the wear. The outer edge of the medallion appears to have an inscription or design around the border, though much of it is obscured by the medallion's condition. There is a small hole at the top area.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Broken at edge

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.26 cm (2 1/16 in.)
    gross weight: 26.51 gr (0.058 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.696.b

Associated Artworks

The circular medal features a profile portrait of a human figure with shoulder-length hair facing to the right. The material appears to be dark and tarnished, likely bronze. The design on the medal shows the bust of the figure in relief. The edges of the medal have a raised border with inscriptions encircling the head, and there is a hole at the top, possibly for suspension. The craftsmanship suggests an ancient or Renaissance-era medallion.

Andrea Matteo III d'Acquaviva, 1457-1528, Duke of Atri and Teramo 1481 [obverse]

Neapolitan 15th Century

1500


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. 152, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: DVX HADRIE TERAMIQVE

Wikidata ID

Q63847733

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