Shield of Carafa Arms between a Steelyard and a Spigot [reverse]

c. 1496/1525

Neapolitan 16th Century

Associated Names
This is an image of an ancient coin. The coin is circular and features a relief design with various symbolic objects. In the center is an abstract shape resembling a podium or altar, flanked by objects that may represent tools or symbols of authority. Along the edges, inscriptions can be seen running along the circumference of the coin, which appear worn and difficult to read. The surface of the coin is textured, showing signs of age and corrosion, giving it a patina typical of ancient artifacts. The color suggests that it is made from a bronze or copper alloy.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 6.33 cm (2 1/2 in.)
    gross weight: 64.72 gr (0.143 lb.)
    axis: 12:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.703.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring the profile of a man wearing a helmet with a prominent crest that curves downwards. The sculpture is crafted from bronze, giving it a brownish color with areas of patina visible across the surface. The figure's profile faces to the right and is depicted in relief against the flat background, showcasing facial features and a headdress in detail. The medallion is inscribed along the rim with text, which curves around the subject’s head.

Andrea Carafa, Count of Santa Severina [obverse]

Neapolitan 16th Century

1496


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. 154, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: CONTERET CONTRARIA VIRTVS

Wikidata ID

Q63847735

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