Borgia Arms with Tiara [reverse]

1455/1458

Andrea Guacialoti

Associated Names
Andrea Guacialoti

Artist, Florentine, 1435 - 1495

The sculpture is a circular medallion with a central design of a crowned emblem with two crossed keys. At the center is a shield containing the depiction of an animal. Surrounding the central imagery is an inscription in capital letters forming a circular border. The sculpture appears to be crafted from a brownish metal, likely bronze. The surface features detailed engravings creating intricate textures. The styling and iconography connect strongly with traditional heraldic and ecclesiastical motifs.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.29 cm (1 11/16 in.)
    gross weight: 42.25 gr (0.093 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.802.b

Associated Artworks

This is a bronze medallion depicting a profile of a figure. The medallion features a profile relief of a figure wearing ornate religious headgear and garments. The border of the medallion contains an inscription, "CALIXTUS PAPA TERTIVS," which wraps around the figure. The surface of the medallion shows signs of aging, with a warm brown patina enhancing the details and texture of the engraving. The craftsmanship highlights the patterns on the clothing of the figure, which appear to be floral and geometric designs.

Callistus III (Alfonso de Borja, 1378-1458), Pope 1455 [obverse]

Andrea Guacialoti

1455


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. 234, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: ALFONSVS BORGIA GLORIA ISPANIE

Wikidata ID

Q63847332

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