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

c. 1496/1525

Neapolitan 16th Century

Associated Names
This is a photograph of an ancient coin or medal. The coin features a central image of a coffin flanked by two crossed objects, a rope or ribbon motif above. The surface of the coin is aged and exhibits a reddish-brown patina. The edge is inscribed with Latin text, partially obscured, reading something akin to "VIRTVS CONTRETE CONTRARIA." There is a small circular hole near the top edge of the coin. The intricate designs and inscriptions suggest historical or symbolic significance, with the central motifs potentially representing themes of mortality or authority.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 6.7 cm (2 5/8 in.)
    gross weight: 133.92 gr (0.295 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.704.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a circular medallion featuring the profile of a man wearing a helmet, carved in a relief style. The material appears to be a weathered bronze with a reddish-brown patina. The sculpture is small and detailed, with the bust occupying the center of the medallion. Surrounding the profile is a raised inscription in capital letters in Latin. The relief work shows the man's facial features and armor details. The medallion has a small hole at the top.

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. 155, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: CONTERET CONTRARIA VIRTVS

Wikidata ID

Q63847737

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