Seated Roselli [reverse]

probably 1460/1466

Bartolomeo Bellano

Associated Names
Bartolomeo Bellano

Artist, Paduan, 1437/1438 - 1496/1497

There is a round medallion featuring a sculpture of a seated male figure in a flowing, draped garment that reveals a muscular form. The figure appears to be in motion, with one arm extended and the other bent close to the body. The medallion is made of a bronze or similarly colored metal, with green oxidation patination. The raised relief work of the figure is detailed, displaying a classical style. The inscriptions on the border read "CELITVM" and "BENEVOLEN." A small hole on the right side suggests it may have been worn or used as a pendant.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.81 cm (1 7/8 in.)
    gross weight: 50.78 gr (0.112 lb.)
    axis: 8:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.765.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a circular bas-relief medallion featuring the profile of a man's head and shoulders. The subject is wearing a headband and a garment that appears to be a robe. The man has distinct facial features, such as a prominent nose and chin, and a perceptible expression due to the detailed carving. The sculpture is made from a bronze-colored metal, giving it an aged, brownish patina. The medallion includes inscriptions surrounding the head. Overall, the medallion is designed to be seen from the front, with the profile of the man facing left, and there is a small hole at the top likely intended for hanging or attachment.

Antonio Roselli of Arezzo, 1380-1466, Jurist [obverse]

Bartolomeo Bellano

1460

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. 194, repro.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: CELITVM BENIVOLENTIA; across center in field: C V

Wikidata ID

Q63847436

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