Genius Holding a Dolphin and Sacrificing [reverse]

mid 16th century

Giovanni da Cavino

Associated Names
Giovanni da Cavino

Artist, Paduan, 1500 - 1570

This is a photograph of an ancient coin. The coin features an engraving of a standing figure draped with a cloth around the waist, holding a cornucopia in one hand and a circular object in the other, pouring a libation over an altar with flames. Latin inscriptions encircle the coin's edge. The coin shows signs of wear, indicating its age and use. The carving demonstrates craftsmanship and reflects the era when coins were considered works of art.

Media Options

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On View

West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G16


Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze//Struck

  • Credit Line

    Samuel H. Kress Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall (diameter): 3.85 cm (1 1/2 in.)
    gross weight: 38.19 gr (0.084 lb.)
    axis: 7:00

  • Accession Number

    1957.14.988.b

Associated Artworks

The image shows a circular relief sculpture featuring the busts of two men facing to the right. The men are depicted in period attire with distinct facial hair and detailed features. The material appears to be a golden-colored metal, possibly brass or bronze. Surrounding the relief is a circular border inscribed with text. The busts are raised from the background, emphasizing their profiles and textures. The relief appears slightly worn, adding to its historic feel. The design captures the likenesses of the individuals in a compact, coin-like form.

Girolamo Panico, died 1558, and Pompeo Ludovisi, died 1565 [obverse]

Giovanni da Cavino

1525


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Aimé Charles) Horace His de la Salle [1795-1878], Paris; (his estate sale, Sotheby's, London, 22-25 November 1880, 2nd day, no. 158); 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. 451, repro.

Inscriptions

around circumference: GENIO BENEVOLENTIAE DVLCIS

Wikidata ID

Q63851613

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