View of Saint Peter's [reverse]

c. 1506

Attributed to Caradosso Foppa

Associated Names
Caradosso Foppa

Artist, Milanese, c. 1452 - 1526/1527

This is a photograph of an ancient medallion or coin featuring architectural elements. The medallion displays a relief image of a classical architectural structure with a dome in the center, flanked by two towers. There are columns supporting the structure, and inscriptions in Latin surround the central image. The edges of the medallion have a decorative border. The material shows signs of aging, including a patina. The medallion also has a small hole near the bottom, possibly for hanging or displaying purposes.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 5.68 cm (2 1/4 in.)
    gross weight: 60.99 gr (0.134 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.788.b

Associated Artworks

The image shows a circular medallion with the profile of a man sculpted in relief. The subject wears a hooded robe and a distinctive hat. The material of the medallion is a bronze-like metal, appearing brownish-gold. There is an inscription around the edge of the medallion. The sculpture is small and delicate with detailed craftsmanship. A small hole near the top suggests suspension. The surface shows signs of age and wear.

Julius II (Giuliano della Rovere, 1443-1513), Pope 1503 [obverse]

Caradosso Foppa

1506


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. 220, repro.

Inscriptions

around top circumference: TEMPLI PETRI INSTAVRACIO; around bottom circumference: VATICANVS M[ons]

Wikidata ID

Q63847498

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