Standing Captive and Africa Mourning [reverse]

c. 1535/1538

Giovanni da Cavino

Associated Names
Giovanni da Cavino

Artist, Paduan, 1500 - 1570

This is a photograph of an ancient coin. The coin features a central palm tree with fronds extending outwards, flanked by detailed figures on either side. On the left, a standing figure holds an object that resembles a shield and a spear, while on the right, a seated figure appears to be draped in a robe. The surface of the coin is richly textured, displaying a well-preserved patina. Inscriptions are etched around the edge of the coin, surrounding the imagery. The coin's edge is decorated with a border of small, rounded dots.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Cast

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.88 cm (1 1/2 in.)
    gross weight: 30.58 gr (0.067 lb.)
    axis: 6:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.981.b

Associated Artworks

The sculpture is a bas-relief profile of a historical figure. The man has a beard and mustache, wearing ornate armor with intricate detailing. The sculpture is on a round medallion, likely made of bronze due to its color and patina. The man has curly hair and a serious expression. There are inscriptions around the edge of the medallion. The design suggests an aged artifact with a vintage or antique look.

Alfonso II d'Avalos, 1502-1546, Marquess of Vasto [obverse]

Giovanni da Cavino

1535


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. 443, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: AFRICA CAPTA; across bottom: C C

Wikidata ID

Q63851586

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