View of Castel Sant'Angelo [reverse]

1585/1591

Domenico Poggini

Associated Names
Domenico Poggini

Artist, Florentine, 1520 - 1590

The sculpture is a round medallion-like object depicting a castle setting with multiple towers and flags on top. It is made from metal with a bronze or copper finish. The surface is textured, with a dotted rim border. There is a small hole at the top for hanging or display. The craftsmanship focuses on the architectural details of the castle, like battlements and turrets.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 4.5 cm (1 3/4 in.)
    gross weight: 54.4 gr (0.12 lb.)
    axis: 1:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.938.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a round medallion depicting a profile portrait of a man with a beard in relief. He is dressed in a garment with a decorative collar and has a serious expression as he looks to the right. The medallion is made of bronze, with a rim inscribed with the text “NICOL’ TODIN’ ANCORTIS S’ANOR PREFECTUS” encircling the head. A small hole at the top suggests it may have been intended for wear or mounting. The craftsmanship highlights the texture of the man's hair and clothing. The medallion is small and portable, fitting comfortably within the palm of a hand.

Niccolo Todini of Ancona, Captain of Castel Sant'Angelo, 1585-1591 [obverse]

Domenico Poggini

1585


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. 392, repro.

Wikidata ID

Q63851473

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